SLR Predictions: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
By Zac Snyder
Mike Olsen: Divisional play opens this weekend in the NFC North, as the Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. The Lions will attempt to prolong their winning streak by taking Adrian Peterson out of the game. The most effective way to do this is to score early and often, and put the game in Donovan McNabb’s hands. Peterson and the Vikings should be able to run the ball effectively, until it ceases to become a feasible option. The Lions will not be able to score as easily as last week, but should do just enough to keep Minnesota chasing. Ball control will favor the Vikings, and this one will end up being closer than most think, and by all rights, closer than it should be. Detroit 24, Minnesota 17.
Marty Medvedik: I see this as a trap game. You know the Lions were going to be ready for the opener and seek revenge on the Chiefs. I KNOW that they’ll be ready for Cowboys next week, Stafford’s hometown. They will be SKY HIGH when Monday Night Football rolls into town for the first time in ten years in two weeks from now. This game could be overlooked by the Lions. I really hope coach Schwartz has them ready because there’s a reason we haven’t won in Minnesota since 1997. The Lions are the better team and the Vikings passing game sucks big time. It will be a tight game but the Lions will win by less than a touchdown. LIONS 23, VIKINGS 17
Ross Husson: Last year, the Lions lost a tough one in Minnesota. The Vikings won the game by 14 points but the game was much closer and I believe the Lion would have won with Matthew Stafford. Matthew Stafford is rolling right now and I don’t think he is going to cool off against the 0-2 Vikings. I think the Vikings will keep it close in the beginning but the Lions have their way in the second half. Lions win 30-13.
Zac Snyder: Donovan McNabb doesn’t scare me and while Adrian Peterson is a supreme talent, I have confidence in the Lions defense thanks to their vast improvements at the linebacker position. I don’t expect Peterson to be shut down completely but the Lions have too much offensive firepower of their own to be outscored by one great back. Lions 30, Vikings 20
Chris Czar: The Lions finally shake the Metrodome monkey off their back. Outside of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings simply are not a good team and the the Lions will expose their shaky secondary. Calvin Johnson will have a huge game and Donovan McNabb will be flustered all day. Chants for Christian Ponder might be audible late. Look for a tight game early with the Lions pulling away in the second half. One more victory before the winning streak likely ends. Lions 24, Vikings 13
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