Eric Kendricks Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings need a huge win over the Detroit Lions in Week 5.
After a solid win against Seattle in Week 3, the Minnesota Vikings fell embarrassingly flat against the Cleveland Browns in a 14-7 loss to drop them to 1-3. They currently sit at No. 24 in the NFL power rankings and desperately need to get back in shape if they want to make the playoffs. This Sunday is a must-win game from Minnesota against the divisional-rival Detroit Lions who happen to be one of the worst teams in the league at 0-4.
Overall, the odds seem to be stacked in the Vikings’ favor. Minnesota has won seven straight games against Detroit under head coach Mike Zimmer. They are also used to facing the elite talent of Matthew Stafford, and it doesn’t seem like Jared Goff will give them as much trouble from the quarterback position.
That being said, nothing ever comes easy for the Vikings. They need to make a statement win and not underestimate the Lions, a simple victory won’t cut it.
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5 bold predictions for Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
5. The Vikings will force three Detroit turnovers
Detroit has five turnovers through the first four games of this season, including one awful turnover against Chicago that essentially just handed their opponent possession. Minnesota has only caused two turnovers, both on interceptions, but they’ve had a number of close calls. This will be a big game for Zimmer’s defense to step up punch out any hope that their NFC North rivals might have of pulling off an upset.
Quarterback Jared Goff was one of the worst last season when it came to turnovers, and switching to the Lions has only increased his chances of losing the ball. He’s thrown two interceptions and fumbled five total times this season, including a three fumble game last week against Chicago. With Michael Pierce, Danielle Hunter, and Everson Griffen coming at him, it is almost certain that Goff will turnover the ball in US Bank Stadium.
He’s been quiet this season, but safety Harrison Smith could also have a big part in turnovers against Detroit. The All-Pro veteran has 28 career interceptions and has to be hungry to make a big play against a lesser opponent, so keep your eye on 22 throughout the game.
