Week 18 will decide the North champion and No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Lions vs. Vikings where to watch
Date: Sunday, Jan. 5 | Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
TV: NBC | Stream: fubo (try for free)
The Stakes
The stage is set for an NFC North showdown with monumental implications. The Minnesota Vikings (14-2) and Detroit Lions (14-2) clash at Ford Field on Sunday, with the division crown and the NFC’s top seed hanging in the balance. The winner secures home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser drops to the fifth seed, beginning their postseason journey on the road. This high-stakes matchup will determine much more than just divisional bragging rights.
The Lions narrowly edged the Vikings 31-29 in their first meeting this season, handing Minnesota a second consecutive loss. However, the Vikings have since rallied, winning nine straight games, while Detroit continues to thrive despite significant injuries. Here’s a detailed look at both teams heading into this pivotal showdown.
Vikings Scouting Report
The Minnesota Vikings, led by head coach Kevin O’Connell, have had a remarkable season, much of it due to the unexpected resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold. Signed as a bridge QB to rookie J.J. McCarthy, Darnold was thrust into the spotlight after McCarthy’s preseason-ending injury. Under O’Connell’s tutelage, Darnold has flourished, posting MVP-caliber numbers and silencing critics. His performance this season could lead to a major decision for the Vikings in the offseason, as Darnold is playing on a one-year deal.
Key Players
- Sam Darnold: 4,153 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs
- Aaron Jones: 1,093 rushing yards, 5 TDs
- Justin Jefferson: 1,479 receiving yards, 100 receptions, 10 TDs
- Andrew Van Ginkel: 11.5 sacks
- Byron Murphy Jr.: 6 INTs
Team Strengths
The Vikings boast a balanced team with a potent offense and a top-five defense. Darnold’s efficiency and Justin Jefferson’s explosiveness have powered a passing attack that ranks fifth in the NFL. The defense excels in third-down situations, allowing opponents to convert just 35.27% of the time, and leads the league in forcing interceptions (3.64%).
Weaknesses
While their defense is strong, the Vikings’ offensive line has struggled in pass protection, ranking 25th in sack percentage. Additionally, their rushing attack has been inconsistent, averaging just 4.0 yards per carry (29th).
Lions Scouting Report
The Detroit Lions have proven to be one of the league’s most resilient teams. Despite losing key players like Alex Anzalone, Aidan Hutchinson, and David Montgomery to injuries, head coach Dan Campbell has kept this team focused on one goal: reaching the Super Bowl. After falling short in last year’s NFC Championship Game, the Lions have their sights set on finishing the job this season.
Key Players
- Jared Goff: 4,398 passing yards, 36 TDs, 10 INTs
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,273 rushing yards, 13 TDs
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,186 receiving yards, 109 receptions, 12 TDs
- Kerby Joseph: 9 INTs
- Jack Campbell: 125 tackles
Team Strengths
The Lions possess the NFL’s top-scoring offense, averaging 33.3 points per game. Jared Goff has been exceptional, ranking second in passing yards per game (266.1) while completing an NFL-best 71.81% of his passes. Though banged up, the defense has remained opportunistic, leading the league in third-down defense (33.14%).
Weaknesses
Injuries have tested the depth of Detroit’s defense, which has struggled against the pass, allowing 250.4 yards per game (31st). The Lions have also faced challenges in generating pressure, ranking 27th in sack percentage.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Sam Darnold vs. Lions Secondary
Darnold’s ability to spread the ball to playmakers like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson will test Kerby Joseph and the Lions’ injury-depleted secondary. As they’ve done all season, Detroit’s success will hinge on forcing turnovers.
- Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Vikings Front Seven
With injuries sidelining David Montgomery, Gibbs will need to carry the load. Minnesota’s stout run defense, allowing just 88.1 rushing yards per game, will aim to neutralize Gibbs’ explosiveness.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Byron Murphy Jr.
St. Brown has been a consistent threat, but Murphy’s ball-hawking skills could limit Detroit’s star receiver. This matchup could define Detroit’s passing success.
- Vikings O-Line vs. Lions Pass Rush
Minnesota’s offensive line must improve against a Lions pass rush led by backups. Darnold’s ability to avoid pressure will be key.
Prediction
This game features two elite offenses with contrasting strengths. The Lions’ high-powered attack and home-field advantage give them the edge, but Minnesota’s defense and Darnold’s recent form can’t be ignored. Expect a tightly contested game with playoff intensity.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 34, Vikings 31
Jared Goff’s precision passing and Jahmyr Gibbs’ dual-threat ability will be too much for the Vikings to overcome, propelling Detroit to the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
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