The Minnesota Vikings will be renewing their rivalry with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The 3-4 Vikes are trying to work their way out of a two-game slump, while the 5-2 Detroit Lions will be looking to win their first game after their bye week.
“Yeah, we're right in the middle of it. We’ve got some games to win and some tough competition coming up, starting this week with Minnesota,” said Detroit quarterback Jared Goff during a media availability session on October 28th. “We're right in that stretch now. You come back from the bye, and it's go time. There's no time to really fix things or make up for lost time. We've done that already at this point, and it's time to go.”
One area of focus for Detroit will be stopping Minnesota's offense, which is littered with former All-Pros like running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Lions head coach Dan Campbell respects the Vikings' ability to put up points, even if the statistics don't necessarily reflect that fact.
“Obviously, the Vikings [are a] good division opponent. I got a lot of respect for what KOC (Kevin O’Connell) has done out there and that staff and that team. They've had a lot of success,” Campbell told reporters on Tuesday. “They’ve always found a way to win and be competitive in this league, in this division, certainly… (Justin) Jefferson, it starts with him. He's outstanding… Obviously, (Jordan) Addison, (T.J. Hockenson). They've got weapons.”
Unlike the two times these teams met last season, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be starting for the Vikes this weekend. Even though he has missed significant time with an ankle injury, Dan Campbell isn't underestimating the former first-round draft pick.
"[The] quarterback is talented," Campbell said of McCarthy. "[He's a] young guy, but he is mobile, he's got a big arm, and he is accurate."
Thankfully for the Minnesota faithful, McCarthy said that he no longer has any lingering pain from the ankle injury that has caused him to miss the last six weeks of action. When asked how his ankle is feeling, McCarthy responded, "amazing."
"I feel like myself again," he told reporters on Wednesday. "Feel like I have those mobility things that I was concerned about going into last week and the prior weeks. [I'm] ready to go."
The hope is that McCarthy will provide a much-needed spark to the offense now that backup quarterback Carson Wentz has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. McCarthy may be able to do some things that Wentz wasn't able to do.
“I think you're always trying to match what the player can go out there and exceed with. What do they do well? Not only the quarterback, but our whole group,” explained Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on October 29th. “[We’re trying to] ultimately figure out the best way to try to then attack what you're getting from a defensive standpoint to try to put your players in a good situation. That may be different from Carson to J.J. based upon their ability to execute some things.”
The good news for the Vikings is that J.J. McCarthy is "extremely confident" that he will be able to play well after missing Minnesota's last five games.
“Every time we step out there, it's the work that we put in every single week,” McCarthy said. “It's the trust in my teammates and coaches, and all of that's been at an all-time high. It sucks not being able to get the reps and [not to] be able to continue to progress all the fundamentals and all the little things, but there was a lot of areas that I picked up and think I benefited from just watching and observing from the sideline.”
Prediction for Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (-8.5)
The Vikings are dealing with injuries to starting offensive linemen, which is very concerning with a quarterback making his third career start against a defense that is tied for fifth in sacks this season. I also expect the Lions' passing attack, which ranks first in team passer rating, will be able to sling the ball all over the field against a Minnesota group that is 28th in passer rating allowed.
Prediction: Lions 32 - 20 Vikings
How to watch Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (-8.5)
Vikings @ Lions starts at 1:00 p.m. EDT at Ford Field. You can watch it on Fox or stream it via the Fox Sports app or YouTube TV.
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling:
Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org
CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY – Call 1-800-GAMBLER
AZ- Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP
IA – Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
KS, NV – Call 1-800-522-4700
KY – Call 1-800 GAMBLER, 18+
MI – Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help
MA – Call 1-800-327-5050
NC – Call – 1-800-662-4357
NY- Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it is important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and guides are rated 21+ only.
The following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
21+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
