The Detroit Lions are set for their second divisional game in a row as the Minnesota Vikings come to town on Sunday, and Jared Goff might be licking his chops. The Vikings are one of the surprises of the season so far, as they've managed to stay undefeated at 6-0. Most of their success has been on the back of their defense and their ability to create pressure, but Goff is someone they have to be careful blitzing.
Minnesota blitzes on 68.4% of pass plays, and the next closest team is the Washington Commanders at 42.3%, per NFL NextGen Stats. The Vikings have been able to disrupt the rhythm of every quarterback they've played, but Goff presents a different challenge. The Lions QB is arguably playing at an MVP level so far this season, having thrown zero interceptions to go with 14 touchdowns.
Even when teams generate pressure from a blitz, Goff can put up numbers (per NGS): 64% completion rate (5th), 842 yards (9th), seven touchdowns (T-3rd) and a 109.6 passer rating (2nd). The offensive line deserves some credit as well, but Goff has been at his best. Will it be enough to hand the Vikings their first loss?
Protecting Jared Goff is key for a Lions victory against the Vikings
The Lions allowed just one sack for the third time this season against the Green Bay Packers last week. The Buffalo Bills were able to grab four sacks back in week two, but the Lions' offensive line has looked more secure since then, especially with the return of center Cade Mays.
The Vikings are tied with four other teams, including the Lions, for a league-leading 21 sacks. Individually, Minnesota has three players with at least four sacks, which is more than any other team. The unit is led by linebacker Dallas Turner, who is tied for third in the NFL with 6.0 sacks. Linebackers Blake Cashman (4.5) and Andrew Van Ginkel (4.0) follow him up.
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Luckily for Detroit, it has two offensive guards playing as good as anyone in Christian Mahogony and Tate Ratledge. According to Pro Football Focus, Mahogony has the highest pass block grade out of anyone (83.8), and Ratledge isn't far behind (80.4). With Mays in the middle, and Penei Sewell and Blake Miller on the edges, the Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL through seven weeks.
Look for Amon-Ra St. Brown to find success against the Vikings, as he has been Goff's go-to receiver under pressure. Against the blitz, St. Brown is tied for the third-most targets (25), tied for the fourth-most receptions (16) and tied for second in touchdowns (3).
Minnesota is ranked No. 10 in the league against the run, so Jahmyr Gibbs might have to work a little extra to see some daylight. However, considering how bad the Vikings offense is (nine touchdowns this season, tied for last in the NFL), the Lions should be able to outscore them and get the win.
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