In the game of the year to date in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) host the Detroit Lions (4-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday (noon CST) in a matchup of Super Bowl hopefuls.
The Lions travel to the Twin Cities looking like a juggernaut, fresh off embarrassing the Dallas Cowboys 47-9 in Week 6. Coming off their bye week, the Vikings have had two weeks to prepare for this NFC North showdown.
This could be a good spot for Minnesota. The Lions are coming off a blowout win on the road, and will now try to ramp back up emotionally for the Vikings without superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson . The Lions lost Hutchinson to a season-ending leg injury against Dallas, and with little depth behind him, their pass rush should be severely affected against Sam Darnold and Co.
The injury news Vikings fans should be worried about is the status of running back Aaron Jones (hip). The veteran was back on the practice field on Monday, so the early news is positive for Minnesota.
NFL experts and writers are torn on this matchup. Here’s what they see playing out in what’s expected to be a one-possession ball game:
NFL picks, predictions Week 7: Vikings vs. Lions
Iyer: “The Lions are relentless and explosive with their offense, as their run-oriented balance keeps leading to big-time passing. The Vikings can handle the run and then get into position to rush the passer and force takeaways for DC Brian Flores. The problem is not having enough offensive answers or ground support to keep up on the scoreboard.”
Bender: “Hutchinson had 7.5 sacks this season, which matched the total for the rest of the team. The good news? Jared Goff is dealing. Goff is 36-of-43 for 607 yards, five TDs, and no interceptions the past two weeks. Minnesota had a bye week after its trip to London. The Vikings have an opportunity to pull ahead in the NFC North with a victory here, especially if they keep Sam Darnold clean. The Lions broke a five-game losing streak at Minnesota last season, and they start a new streak with a late TD here.”
Cluff: “The NFC North is going to be very tough this season. The winner of this game gets an early leg up in the division race. Jared Goff will continue his stellar play in a close Detroit victory.”
Johnson: “There are a few must-see games in Week 7 and the NFC North is responsible for a pair of them. This Minnesota Vikings-Detroit Lions matchup loses some of its luster with Aidan Hutchinson (fractured tibia) going down. While we’re still very excited to see the chess match between Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson versus Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Hutchinson’s absence looms large. Sam Darnold thrives from a clean pocket and with no Hutchinson, Detroit will likely struggle to get to the Vikings quarterback. It bodes very well for Justin Jefferson, who can feast on a defense that primarily plays man coverage.”
Rolfe: “This week’s matchup in Minnesota is arguably between the two best teams in the NFC and potentially the entire NFL. The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are top of the pile in terms of net EPA per game, with slightly contrasting methods. The Vikings are built around a top-ranked defense that protects a below-average offense. Meanwhile, the Lions’ offense ranks third in EPA per game, with the defense marginally above average. Minnesota comes into this matchup off a bye, while Detroit comes in off the high of demolishing Dallas on the road in AT&T Stadium. Teams coming off a bye went 3-1 this week, but historically we have seen it cause some rustiness, so the Vikings will need to overcome that. Meanwhile, the Lions will need to make a plan to account for the loss of their star defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson , to a gruesome injury . This game sees strength face strength and weakness face weakness. Generally, the advantage tends to lean towards the team with the strength on defense (Minnesota). The only concern has been how the Vikings have allowed comebacks in their last two games, which gives me cause for concern."
Consensus: Lions 27, Vikings 25
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