DET at MIN: Week 7
Safe to say that tomorrow’s Lions v. Vikings tilt is going to be an exciting one.
Even without Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit is going to be a formidable challenge. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has proven to be a brilliant mind, so the expectation should be that he finds a way of stacking up some points. Can Brian Flores’ side of the ball do enough to keep the good times rolling? Even better, can Kevin O’Connell get the offense to build another large lead?
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Prior to getting hurt, Hutchinson was playing as well as anyone in the NFL.
The 6’7″ menace coming off of the edge is a well-built 268 pounds who runs a 4.74 forty. So, he’s a handful, a truth that exists even for a team like Minnesota with elite tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. The pass rusher was leading the NFL with 7.5 sacks; Detroit’s next best is Alim McNeil (great player) who is down at 2.5 sacks.
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) during second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
As it stands, Detroit has the league’s 8th-best defense since they’re allowing just 18.2 points against per game. Expect them to struggle to replicate that success without their best player and while playing inside U.S. Bank Stadium against the well-rested Vikings. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will find room to run regardless of whether T.J. Hockenson can play.
Offensively, the Lions are no joke.
Johnson’s offense is coming in at 1st in the NFL by averaging a whopping 30.2 points per game. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a monster at wide receiver, a pass catcher who runs ferocious routes. He seems likely to get a hearty dose of Stephon Gilmore and/or Byron Murphy Jr., but St. Brown is going to make plays regardless. He has 31 receptions, 289 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) catches a pass and shakes a tackle attempt by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) during first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, his receiver counterpart — Jameson Williams — is slowly living up to his potential. Bitter Vikings fans will remember Williams well since he arrived courtesy of the No. 12 pick in 2022 that originally belonged to Minnesota before the horrendous Lewis Cine trade.
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Williams is sitting on 16 receptions for 365 yards and 3 scores. The 22.8 yards-per-reception average is eye-popping stuff. Somehow, that trade is looking even worse.
Plus, the rushing attack is top notch over in Michigan. David Montgomery is the proud owner of 75 carries for 351 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs has 66 carries for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns. Genuinely, it’s a game of pick your poison against this offense.
The best bet is to live behind the line of scrimmage in search of negative plays; create chaos and confusion while being unafraid of a bold play call or two. If Detroit makes a positive play, tip your cap and move onto the next opportunity.
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Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) defends during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota has a lot of advantages, but it’s tough to go against Detroit right now. During the offseason, I was relatively bold, predicting a 23-17 win. Allow me to walk that back by insisting that the team from Michigan walks away with the win.
Official Prediction: Lions 34 — Vikings 31
Prediction Record: 4-1