The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will meet in Week 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium for the first of their two matchups during the 2024 season. Even at this early stage in the season, this is a huge game.
That's because the winner of this contest will sit in first place in the NFC North. The Vikings are in that spot currently at 5-0, but the Lions are right on their heels at 4-1. Also, with the race in the division being so close, winning the season series with division rivals becomes even more important.
Minnesota has been one of the biggest surprises through six weeks of the season, particularly because of the emergence of quarterback Sam Darnold, who has been better than anyone could have possibly imagined. But the Vikings' defense deserves its props for playing at a very high level.
Meanwhile, the Lions have been as advertised. Detroit was slated to be one of the best teams in the NFL once again this year, and head coach Dan Campbell's team hasn't disappointed.
But Detroit, a team that has also played good defense this year, recently took a massive hit to its unit, with Aidan Hutchinson suffering a season-ending injury .
As the Lions and Vikings prepare to jockey for positioning in what is shaping up to be the best division in the NFL this year, let's see who experts think will win this one between Detroit and Minnesota.
NFL picks, predictions Week 7: Lions vs. Vikings
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News : Lions 24, Vikings 20
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.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News : Lions 31, Vikings 28
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.”
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic : Lions 28, Vikings 27
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.”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Vikings 31, Lions 26
Prisco: "This is for first place in the division with the Vikings coming off the bye and the Lions coming off a blowout of the Cowboys on the road. The Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson with a broken leg, which will impact their pass rush in a big way. Look for Sam Darnold to light it up throwing to ustin Jefferson. The Lions will get theirs as well with Jared Goff playing well. It will be a fun one to watch, but the Vikings will win it."
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut : Vikings 28, Lions 24
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.”
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network : Vikings 24, Lions 21
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."
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