Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: Week 9 game preview

The Detroit Lions take on their division rival for the first time this season

After a blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions will look to get back on track when they visit the last place Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.

We’ll take a look at the matchup history between the rivals, their last matchup, what to watch for, what the Lions need to do to win and a prediction for the game.

Matchup history

The Lions and Vikings have been playing each other since 1961. Since then, they’ve faced each other 117 times with the Vikings taking the lead with a 76-39-2 record. The Vikings have won five straight contests against the Lions dating back to 2017.

Last matchup

Last time these teams faced off was Week 14 last season with the Vikings taking the win 20-7. Quarterback David Blough completed 24 of 40 passes for 205 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Wide receiver Kenny Golladay caught the touchdown pass and finished the game with six receptions for 58 yards. Safety Tracy Walker finished with 13 tackles (nine solo) while Tavon Wilson who’s also a safety finished with 11 (seven solo). Kicker Matt Prater missed a 45 yard field goal attempt.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 242 yards with a touchdown which was caught by wide receiver Olabisi Johnson. Running back Dalvin Cook got a rushing touchdown while wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 92 yards.

What to watch for

How will defensive end Everson Griffen do in his first game with the Lions? Will he make an immediate impact? Will he make a difference to the Lions run stopping attack?

Will the Lions be able to stop Cook? In Week 8, he rushed for 163 yards while rushing to the end zone three times including one reception touchdown. Along with that, he also got 63 yards in the air. Lastly, will the Lions be able to control themselves and keep the penalties as well as the unnecessariness down this game?

Keys to the game/What the Lions need to do to win the game

The biggest thing will be stopping Cook and the rushing attack. Griffen and the defensive line will have to step up and stop the run to the best of their abilities. Wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. will have to play as he has the past two games with Golladay out which has seen him get 119 reception yards and two touchdowns.

Prediction

While the Vikings are last in the NFC North, they are a better team than their record shows. They’ve had somewhat of a tough schedule and lost some close games and the Lions may be the weakest team they’ve yet to play. Unless the Lions can find a way to stop Cook, the Vikings should walk away with a win. Final score: Vikings 33, Lions 16