Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: SLR Staff Predictions
By Zac Snyder
With the Detroit Lions set for a week six road game against the Minnesota Vikings, here is what the SideLion Report staff sees for the game ahead.
Braden Shackelford – Despite the offense’s lack of touchdowns, there have been no issues getting into field goal range. With the kicking issues resolved and a stout defense to fall back on, I think the Lions will be able to survive this week without Megatron. Prediction: Lions win 20-14.
Kent Platte – The Lions blundered their way into a loss against a Bills squad they should have easily crushed. Taking on the resurgent Vikings under Bridgewater presents a notable challenge for head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions will likely be without Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, but they still win on paper against a Vikings squad with an injured, rookie QB and no Adrian Peterson. I’m betting on a mistake prone game from the offenses of both teams in a defensive battle that gets out of hand late. Lions in a squeeker, 27-17. (With the last score coming off a late Vikings turnover in their own territory).
Alex Reno – Last week’s matchup seemed favorable for the Lions, yet they failed to show up offensively. I think the offense finds a little bit of a rhythm against the Vikings this Sunday, but I’m not so sure if I’m confident they can win decisively against a divisional rival without Calvin Johnson. I think the difference maker will be the fact that the Lions finally have a kicker with a good reputation (on the field) and it will come down to a game winning field goal. Lions win 17-14.
Max DeMara – The Lions don’t have to play in the Metrodome, so that in itself makes the trip to Minnesota easier. Detroit controls most of the game, but the offensive line breakdowns doom them in the end along with an erratic Matthew Stafford. Detroit gets better field goal kicking from Matt Prater, but loses late allowing the Vikings to pull an upset. Minnesota 20, Detroit 16
Darin Ackerman – This week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings should prove to be a pretty even match up. With the way the Lions’ defense has been playing, they will give rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater a good test of his skills. As always, for the Lions it will come down to how well Stafford connects with his receivers. With Calvin Johnson listed as doubtful and Reggie Bush listed as questionable as of press time, the Lions’ offense might be dicey at best. Coming off a loss on the road to Green Bay, the Vikings will be hungry to improve their record to 3-3 in front of the home crowd. Prediction: Lions 20, Vikings 17.
Zac Snyder – Last week I expressed some reservations about the Lions going up against the Buffalo Bills, but still picked the Lions to win. Unfortunately, my gut is still lacking some confidence. Sure, when we last saw the Minnesota Vikings they were getting blown out on Thursday Night Football by the Green Bay Packers. But Teddy Bridgewater is healthy again and the Vikings had a long week to prepare. Playing in Minneapolis has been a nightmare for the Lions and while many of the players and even the stadium are different this time around, I still feel like this particular game is a coin flip at best. Vikings 24, Lions 20