5 bold Minnesota Vikings predictions for Week 18 vs. the Detroit Lions

Bold Vikings Prediction No. 3

Nick Mullens will throw five interceptions against the Lions

The Vikings are turning back to Nick Mullens for Sunday’s season finale as their starting quarterback after rookie signal-caller Jaren Hall struggled in the first half in last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Mullens threw four interceptions in his last start against the Lions on Christmas Eve, but there are a few reasons he could raise the bar this time around.

According to PFF, Mullens has posted a 7.4 percent turnover-worthy play rate in his five games this season. That number would dwarf Tyson Bagent’s 6.6 percent turnover-worthy play rate among qualifying quarterbacks and doesn’t reflect how badly Mullens struggled in his last start against Detroit in Week 16.

Mullens logged seven turnover-worthy plays on 41 dropbacks against the Lions on Christmas Eve, which translates to a whopping 15.9 percent turnover-worthy play rate.

While Kevin O’Connell’s game plan was to attack the Lions' secondary downfield with 11.4 yards per attempt, it did more harm than good relying on a quarterback that has AC/DC’s “Shoot To Thrill” playing in his head at all times.

Mullens didn’t log a single turnover-worthy play in 24 dropbacks in relief duty against the Packers last week, but he also came in when the game was out of reach.

With a playoff spot on the line, O’Connell may try to empty his bag of tricks, which could lead to more turnovers from the Vikings quarterback.