3 matchups the Minnesota Vikings need to win in Week 16 vs. the Detroit Lions

3. Minnesota Vikings right side of offensive line vs. Aidan Hutchinson

No matter who is at right tackle for the Vikings on Sunday, they will have a tough task against Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

It will probably take the help of right guard Ed Ingram or maybe tight end Josh Oliver, but slowing down Hutchinson will be a big key for Minnesota.

Even though Hutchinson is having a down year this season, he is still capable of wrecking games if he gets the chance.

Hutchinson has only amassed 6.5 sacks this season, and the entire Detroit defensive line has actually been fairly below average when it comes to getting to the opposing team's quarterback.

Heading into Week 16, the Lions rank as the sixth-worst team in the NFL when it comes to sacks this season, with Hutchinson and his 6.5 sacks leading the way.

Hutchinson is the biggest threat on that Detroit line, so if the Vikings can handle him this weekend, that should lead to enough time in the pocket for quarterback Nick Mullens to work.

Mullens showed that he doesn't function well under pressure last week, so giving him time is the best way to give the Vikings a chance at winning on Sunday.