Buy or Sell: The Lions Defeat the Vikings on Sunday
The Minnesota Vikings lead the all-time series with the Lions, 74-29-2.
This week's matchup marks the 116th meeting between the NFC North rivals.
At Ford Field this Sunday, the Lions will be looking to rebound from their controversial loss to the Packers in Week 6.
It was the Lions' second consecutive defeat, and it dropped them to 2-2-1 on the season.
Last season against the Vikings, the Lions struggled mightily on offense.
In fact, the Lions only mustered nine points in each game, losing 24-9 on the road and 27-9 at home.
This season, the Vikings' defense is ranked in the top 10 in several categories.
Minnesota ranks sixth in the NFL in points allowed at 15.5 points/game. It also ranks ninth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed at 91.5 yards/game.
One of the keys for the Lions will be improving their rush defense.
On Monday night against the Packers, the Lions gave up 170 yards on the ground and an average of 5.9 yards/carry.
The Vikings will look to replicate the success of the Packers with their starting running back Dalvin Cook.
Minnesota ranks third in the league in rushing yards per game at 159 yards a game.
The Lions' offense ranks 13th in yards per game at 369.8 yards a game, 16th in rushing with 107.6 yards/game, ninth in passing at 262.2 yards/game and 13th in the NFL in points per game at 23.8 a game.
One of the keys for the Lions will be executing at a higher efficiency rate in the red zone.
Detroit kicker Matt Prater is a reliable weapon for the offense. However, if Prater has another week in which he is called upon to kick five field goals, the Lions will be staring at another divisional loss.
Field goals get you beat. Just look at the Lions' loss Monday against the Pack.
In order for the Lions to beat the Vikings Sunday, Matthew Stafford, plain and simple, must lead Detroit on drives that end up with touchdowns.
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