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Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Predicting the Final Score

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Calvin Johnson Lions

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Heading into Week 6 of the NFL season, standings are beginning to take shape. After a collapse late last week against the Buffalo Bills, the Detroit Lions had one of the worst loses of 2014. They will look to rebound in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, who are coming off a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers, in Week 5.

After experiencing kicking problems through the first few weeks of the season, the Lions turned to Alex Henery, to try and solve their kicking woes. That experiment failed miserably, as he missed all three field goal attempts, including a makeable 50-yard attempt with under one minute remaining. Henery’s miss resulted in Buffalo driving down into field goal range for Dan Carpenter, who connected on a game-winning 58-yard field goal.

While Detroit should have a record of 4-1, they still sit atop the NFC North at 3-2. They are 1-0 within the division lead, and they must prove that they can win on the road. The opportunity that presents itself against the Vikings, is a good starting point.

Minnesota is coming off an embarrassing 42-10 loss to the Packers, but have received some good news. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater will be back under center, in front of the home fans, giving the Vikings another playmaker on offense.

Another playmaker, Minnesota needs to get involved, is Cordarrelle Patterson. He had two receptions for eight yards last week, it may go without saying, but that is not nearly enough. The Vikings’ coaching staff must get their talented wide receiver going, if they want a chance to win on Sunday.

Final Prediction: Calvin Johnson looks like he won’t be playing. If is able to suit up and be effective, it will enhance Detroit’s chances. Even so, I’ll still take the Lions in a close affair, 23-20.

Max Zelenko is a Philadelphia Eagles/NFL writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @maxzelenko, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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