4. RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs had a nice outing against the Vikings back in Week 7 (160 total yards, two rushing touchdowns). According to Pro Football Focus, 74 of his 116 rushing yards in the game were after contact as he forced eight missed tackles. The yards after contact and forced missed tackles are the highest single-game totals by a running back against the Vikings this season. Minnesota's leading tackler, linebacker Blake Cashman, did not play in the first matchup.
PFF pointed to a particular matchup advantage Gibbs has against the Vikings' defense, regardless of the difference in who's available this time around.
Jahmyr Gibbs could be a major x-factor vs the Vikings' blitz-heavy defense
β PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) January 3, 2025
Gibbs has been targeted at the 3rd-highest rate among RB when his team faces blitzes. Minnesota ranks 1st in blitz rate on pass plays, so they could struggle to contain Gibbs with that approach. pic.twitter.com/1Ztc7ESx8p
It's not revolutionary to say Gibbs has to shine on Sunday night, but it'll especially be so if current No. 2 back Craig Reynolds (listed as questionable due to a late-week back issue) winds up missing the game or is limited at all. The Vikings' defense also stands to provide some opportunities for Gibbs to make game-turning plays only he can make, and he'll have to make them.
3. S Kerby Joseph
Joseph dismissed the egregious Pro Bowl snub he got this week in the fashion he should, but if we know anything about him it will give him a little extra juice for Sunday night's game. The key will be to harness whatever extra emotional edge he'll have in positive directions, and for him to not lose discipline.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold ate the Packers alive in the middle of the field (between the numbers, per Nex Gen Stats) in Week 17. The Lions are surely aware of that, and they have a couple ballhawks in their secondary to make Darnold pay for any misfires he might have.
Joseph had two interceptions last Monday night in a nationally televised game. That kind of stage is coming back in the regular season finale, with high stakes for both teams, and it's easy to foresee him shining again. The Lions' defense stands to need him to make a game-changing play or two.