Detroit Lions (3-4) Minnesota Vikings (2-5)
It is a battle of the bottom two teams in the NFC North when the Detroit Lions travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings. It has been a disappointing 2020 for both clubs, as Detroit holds a one-game advantage over Minnesota, but both find themselves at least two games back of Green Bay and Chicago.
Minnesota has won the last five contests between these two teams, including a 20-7 victory in Minnesota last December. They enter this contest as four-point favorites and have covered the spread in each of their victories during the winning streak.
Detroit Stampeded by Colts
Detroit took a 7-0 lead, then watched the Indianapolis Colts score 35 of the next 42 points on their way to a 41-21 victory over the Lions on Sunday. The Colts dominated the time of possession, holding onto the ball for 37:46. They also recorded two turnovers on defense.Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford had a solid afternoon, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns. However, he threw an interception and was sacked five times. Stafford has thrown for 13 touchdowns against five interceptions but has been sacked 19 times. He is completing 61.4% of his passes.
Stafford was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday due to having contact with a non-team member who tested positive. He did not practice all week. (However, on Saturday, he was activated off the list and is expected to play)
The Lions are getting minimal help from their ground game, as Adrian Peterson has 321 yards and a mediocre 3.8 yards per carry average. D’Andre Swift leads Detroit with four rushing touchdowns.
At receiver, they are going to miss Kenny Golladay, who missed last week due to a hip injury and is out indefinitely. He has 20 catches for 338 yards with two TDs. With Golladay out, they'll need to rely more on Swift and Peterson.
The defense is led by defensive end Romeo Okwara, who has five sacks. That easily leads the team, as Detroit has just 10 sacks this season. They have five interceptions and two fumble recoveries as well.
The Lions will be a little thin on the defensive line, as Julian Okwara, John Atkins, and Jashon Cornell are out and Austin Bryant is listed as questionable. Running back Jamaal Agnew and wide receiver Geronimo Allison are also out.
Vikings Surprise Packers
The Minnesota Vikings took a big step toward getting back in the NFC North race with a 28-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Twice Minnesota came back from seven-point deficits before taking a 14-point advantage, then held on for the victory.Running back Dalvin Cook had a monster afternoon, carrying the ball 30 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns. He simply could not be stopped, gaining 5.4 yards per carry. Cook also added two catches for 63 yards and a score. That now gives Cook 652 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns already.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was a rather pedestrian 11 of 14 passing for 160 yards and a touchdown. Cousins has thrown for 1,635 yards and 12 touchdowns but has 10 interceptions this season.
The defense has recorded only six turnovers this season but has 14 sacks. Yannick Ngakoue leads the team with five.
Guard Pat Elfein is listed as questionable.
Notable Trends
Minnesota Vikings:
- 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
- 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in November.
- 38-18-1 ATS in their last 57 games at home.
Detroit Lions:
- 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games versus NFC opponents.
- 1-6 ATS in their last seven games in November.
- 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games.
