Predicting the Final Score of Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
By Brad Berreman
@bradberreman24
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The 9-4 Detroit Lions will welcome the 6-7 Minnesota Vikings to Ford Field on Sunday, as the Lions look to stay in the NFC playoff picture and the Vikings look to finish the season strong while hanging onto faint playoff hopes. Both teams have two-game winning streaks heading into the game, so something will have to give in Week 15.
The Lions beat the Vikings 17-3 back in Week 6 at TCF Bank Stadium, as Detroit’s defense held Minnesota to 212 offensive yards with three interceptions and eight sacks of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. But that was just the second start of Bridgewater’s career, after he had missed the previous game with an injury, and he has improved a lot in recent weeks while also finding a favorite target in wide receiver Charles Johnson.
Xavier Rhodes has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league over the past month, and he appears to be starting to justify his status as a first-round pick in his second season. When he is lined up across from Calvin Johnson on Sunday it will be a matchup to watch, and Rhodes’ overall performance will be critical for Minnesota’s defense. But it’s also fair to say the Lions will try to target cornerback Josh Robinson, particularly after he mostly struggled against the New York Jets last Sunday, and since Rhodes does not shadow the opposition’s top wide receiver simply avoiding him could lead to Detroit having plenty of success through the air.
The Lions are a game behind the Green Bay Packers for the lead in the NFC North, and they need to keep winning to have a chance to win the division. A loss at home on Sunday would certainly feel like a big letdown, but the Vikings will not make things easy.
Prediction: Lions 24, Vikings 17
Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Twitter or Google +.
5 Colts Free Agency Rumors You Need To Know
Get the latest on the Indianapolis Colts’ free agency rumor mill, which include several enticing replacement options should Reggie Wayne retire. Read More
Seahawks, Lynch On Verge of Agreeing to Deal?
If the rumors are true, Marshawn Lynch will be suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks next season. Read More
Biggest Takeaways From NFL Combine On Feb. 21
When QB, RB and WR drills take place, there's always a lot to discuss. Here are the biggest takeaways from the Combine's biggest day. Read More
5 Atlanta Falcons Rumors You Need To Know
With the combine currently underway and free agency set to start soon, here's a look at five of the biggest rumors surrounding the Atlanta Falcons. Read More
Vikings Should Think Defensive End In First Round
The Minnesota Vikings lack depth at defensive end and should look to draft Dante Fowler Jr. in the first round. Read More
Jaguars' 5 Potential 2015 Playoff Opponents
The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggle over the past few seasons and will look to turn things around in 2015. Here are some potential playoff opponents if they sneak into the postseason. Read More
Releasing Mike Pollack a Big Mistake By Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals announced that they released Mike Pollack on Friday. He has been a solid back-up offensive guard for the Bengals the last 2 years which makes this a questionable decision. Read More
Top 11 Patriots Newcomers of 2014
Let’s reflect on the most influential additions the Patriots made over the course of last offseason and 2014 regular season. Read More
Raiders Should Find Way to Draft Williams
If the Oakland Raiders want to return to relevance, finding a way to draft Leonard Williams should be the top priority. Read More
Biggest Takeaways From NFL Combine On Feb. 20
On the first day of workout drills, there were plenty of storylines on and off the field. Here are the biggest takeaways from 2015 NFL Combine on Feb. 20. Read More
Questions All Teams Should Ask At Scouting Combine
With the NFL scouting combine in full swing, here are 10 questions every team should ask players at the combine. Read More
15 Symptoms Of Football Withdrawal
If you believe you're going through football withdrawal, check and see if you suffer from any of these symptoms. If any apply, see a doctor near you. Read More