The Minnesota Vikings (1-3) take on the Detroit Lions (0-4) at 1:00pm EST on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Here are 20 stats, facts, and things to know leading into the NFC North contest.
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- The Vikings have defeated the Lions seven straight times.
- The last time Detroit got the best of Minnesota — the Vikings went on an eight-game win streak afterward (2017).
- Danielle Hunter is at the peak of his powers versus Detroit, recording 11 sacks in nine career games.
- Per points per play allowed, the Lions are the worst team in the NFL through four games.
- Somehow, the Lions rank second in the NFL for defensive 3rd Down percentage.
- For the Lions, Kirk Cousins, per passer rating, is the deadliest quarterback the franchise has ever faced (min. 100 passing attempts). Cousins boasts a 124.6 passer rating in seven games against Detroit.
- The Vikings have started a season with a 1-3 record 10 times in team history. They reached the postseason once with that record — 2008.
- Eight times Minnesota has kicked off a season with a 1-4 record. Playoffs were never reached in any of those seasons.
- The highest-graded Vikings player per Pro Football Focus through four weeks is Justin Jefferson (85.7)
- When Sunday’s game kicks off, Harrison Smith will have played more games as a Viking than Jake Reed.
- Kirk Cousins’ 9.9 QBR score last week against Cleveland was the fourth-worst in the NFL for Week 4.
- The Vikings are the only team in the NFC North through four weeks to cumulatively outscore opponents (+2). And they’re 1-3.
- The Vikings are the first team in NFL history to have a losing record through four games while cumulatively outscoring opponents (+2) and committing 2 or less turnovers.
- Cameron Dantzler, who was beset by COVID this week, is the NFL’s sixth highest-graded cornerback per PFF.
- Per points allowed, the Vikings defense now ranks 11th in the NFL. But it certainly doesn’t feel like it.
- Per FootballOutsiders.com, the Vikings own the league’s 14th-best offense and 14th-best defense to start the season. Detroit ranks 21st in offense and 31st in defense.
- Per current wins and losses, the Vikings have the ninth-hardest remaining schedule in the NFL.
- Before the 2020 loss to Seattle, the Vikings had won their fifth game of the season in five straight seasons.
- The Lions offensive line — and roster in general — is totally ravaged by injuries.
- After Week 4, Adam Thielen was tied for the NFL lead in receiving touchdowns.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).