The Minnesota Vikings return to U.S. Bank Stadium this week to start a three-game stretch to decide their playoff future. First up, the first of two duels against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions.
The Lions have been near the top of the NFC since the beginning of the season. They had their slip-ups, but at 10-4, they have firm control of the NFC North and are setting their sights on the coveted number-one seed and that first-round bye. Their offense has been outstanding this season, ranking fifth in points and third in total yards behind a balanced attack.
Before Saturday, the Vikings defense was on a tear. They allowed 20+ points only twice in eight games, including an exemplary 3-0 shutout win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The same Raiders that came back and put up 63 points on the Los Angeles Chargers four days later.
On Saturday, that all changed as former Viking Jake Browning lit up the Vikings’ defense for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Tee Higgins shined brightest when Ja’Marr Chase left early with a shoulder injury. Higgins caught four of his eight targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns, including a sensational highlight over Akayleb Evans.
As this defense licks their wounds, they need to regroup fast against one of the top offenses in the game today. To do that, they must follow these four keys to limit this Detroit offense.