Explained: What to Expect against the Lions

Explained: What to Expect against the Lions
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Explained: What to Expect against the Lions

This is Episode 175 of VikesNow, a YouTube channel devoted to daily Minnesota Vikings analysis. This episode examines Lions-Vikings in Week 14.

Particularly, the Lions hot streak, Jalen Reagor, and Vikings possible playoff opponents are discussed.

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Explained: What to Expect against the Lions — Watch Below


The Vikings defeated the New York Jets, 27-22, in a playoff-style game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 13. Minnesota started hot on defense, fell asleep on offense and defense in the 3rd Quarter, and rallied back in the 4th Quarter to win the team’s ninth one-score game of 2022.

Vikings Kicker Took Aim at Team's Record Book on Saturday
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson recorded 7 receptions, 45 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown, grabbing the one paydirt at a time when the Vikings desperately needed points. Jefferson is now on pace for 1,809 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Vikings are 2.5-point underdogs on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, a team that bashed the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, 40-14. The Lions offense is sometimes pretty nifty, but Detroit’s defense is awful.

The Packers won in Week 13, a road triumph against the Chicago Bears. But the Packers, Lions, and Bears playoff hopes are all but vanquished. The Vikings are the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Eagles and would host a home playoff game versus the Seattle Seahawks if the playoffs started today.

The Vikings encountered an anonymous illness on the team’s first injury report of the week, but all players afflicted are trending to play at Detroit. Cameron Dantzler sounds like he’s trending to return, while Christian Darrisaw’s status is up in the air.

Our Staff Prediction for Cowboys at Vikings
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

A 1-4 or 0-5 record the rest of the way would plop the Vikings in the postseason. Of course, winning the division is preferred, but subpar football, as a worst-case scenario, would net a playoff berth. That’s the perk of a 10-2 start. The Vikings have a > 99% probability of reaching the postseason, per FiveThirtyEight. They can wrap up the NFC North with a win against Detroit.

The Vikings have won 9 of the last 10 matchups against the Lions.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. 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).

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