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SI Lions Maven Predictions: Vikings-Lions
The Vikings will certainly be able to get pressure on Matthew Stafford via their ferocious D-line led by Everson Griffen.
However, the Lions' O-line will do just enough to keep Stafford upright for the majority of the game, allowing him to toss two TD passes (one to Kenny Golladay and one to Marvin Jones).
As for the Lions defensively, they allow Stefon Diggs to score on a long TD pass from Kirk Cousins, but that's about all the damage the Vikings do and the Lions prevail. Lions 21, Vikings 17
The Lions' weaknesses are the strengths of the Vikings.
If the Lions' defense can't stop Dalvin Cook and if the Lions offense struggles once again against a Mike Zimmer-led defense, it will be a recipe for disaster. Vikings 24, Lions 20
I'm not certain the Lions' defense has enough to slow down Dalvin Cook and contain both Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Matt Stafford and the passing game keep it interesting, but leaning on Matt Prater's leg will again be the Lions' undoing in a highly-contested divisional game. Vikings 24, Lions 23
It’s a small sample size, but Kirk Cousins is 0-1 against the Lions when he throws the ball more than 28 times and is 2-0 when he throws less than 28 times.
This is the game, I believe, Matt Patricia will utilize the run-stopping abilities of second-round pick Jahlani Tavai.
By slowing down Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins is now forced to throw the ball more.
Small sample size, but I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid all season. The Vikings have playmakers all over the defensive side.
Mike Zimmer knows how to scheme and deliver the right packages at the right time for his linebackers and defensive backs to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
With that being said, I expect Matthew Stafford to rely on Kerryon Johnson and the rest of the running backs to make plays catching the ball out of the backfield. Lions 24, Vikings 21
Playing on Monday Night Football hurts the Lions, in my opinion.
The Vikings have talent along the defensive line, and until the Lions consistently run the football, they are at a disadvantage against most defenses.
Dalvin Cook should have opportunities for big gains, based on the struggles of the Lions' rush defense to start the season.
The Lions' defense has made plays all season, has forced turnovers and features arguably the best corner tandem in the NFL. The defense may be called upon again to bail out the offense.
Closing out games has been a struggle for the Lions. If the Lions are to come out on top, they may have to make a stand late against Kirk Cousins and the Vikings' offense.
Ending the losing streak to the Vikings will be tough this week. Vikings 26, Lions 23
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