Does It Matter Which Game the Vikings Split with Detroit?
The Minnesota Vikings are set to square off against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Given the divisional implications, the quality of the opponent, and the undefeated record, it stands to reason that this is the season’s biggest game. That being said, does it matter if Kevin O’Connell’s team loses so long as they pay back the favor on the road?
Does It Matter Which Game the Vikings Split with Detroit?
Realistically, it is difficult to sweep a divisional opponent in the NFL. Short of facing a true bottom-feeder, the most often result is that divisional foes split their season series. Minnesota has already won on the road against the Green Bay Packers. They will host the Packers later this season at home, and they have the advantage there, having already locked up a win.
Minnesota should be better positioned for a win this week coming off a bye, but they could also be without a handful of their key playmakers. The Lions will be without star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but they are otherwise relatively healthy. Should Detroit come to U.S. Bank Stadium and find a way to pull out the win, there will be immediate reactions of concern. Those brakes should be a bit pumped until the dust settles, though.
The Vikings will travel to Detroit later this year and could have more of their roster fully healthy. T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones being in the lineup would be a massive boost for Minnesota. Ed Ingram has also struggled this year, and it may not yet be possible for Dalton Risner to replace him on the offensive line.
As long as the Vikings can split with the Lions, there’s no real cause for worry regarding the result of the first game. Having played just a single divisional opponent to this point, Minnesota has plenty of opportunity to start distancing themselves from the rest of the division. As good as the Vikings’ 5-0 start is, it will be more substantiated as the team is able to handle their direct competition.
This is a massive game on deck for the Vikings, but it doesn’t have to define the season. A loss is coming at some point, and if that happens to be Sunday, so be it.
As long as there is a response later on, there’s no reason to worry about a single outcome.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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