The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Detroit Lions in the second annual winter whiteout on Christmas Eve in week 16.
During the Vikings 7-7 campaign, they have dealt with a myriad of injuries and struggles throughout the year. From losing star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to starting four quarterbacks due to injuries and poor play, it’s been an excellent coaching job from both Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores.
They still face an uphill battle if they want to win the NFC North. Just one Vikings loss or Lions win will give Detroit their first division title since 1993 when it was the NFC North.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, we spoke with Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire to get the lowdown on the motor city kitties.
Where are things at with Jameson Williams’ development?
Jamo is coming along well. It’s not necessarily showing on the stat sheet just yet, but he’s taken over as WR2 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown in snaps counts and routes run. Last week, Williams had his first game with more than two catches. The Lions are figuring out how to use him beyond being a vertical threat. The route timing and syncing with Jared Goff isn’t here yet, but it’s progressing. One underrated aspect of his game: Jamo is a slobber-knocker of a blocker on the outside.
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, is there a viable pass rush threat?
Not often, and that’s been one of the team’s biggest issues. Different guys have risen up for a game or two, be it Josh Paschal or John Cominsky or even Bruce Irvin as a practice squad elevation. But there’s not a reliable, consistent threat. LB Alex Anzalone is a very good blitzer.
Do you have any concerns about Jared Goff going against the Vikings defense?
As long as the offensive line can keep him clean and comfortable in the pocket, Goff has shown he will make great decisions and deliver accurate passes to the short and intermediate range. Under pressure, it’s a very different story. Linebackers in a robber role and safeties in deep zone are the biggest worries for Goff.
How can the Vikings exploit Aaron Glenn’s unit?
It really depends on if the Lions get the good Glenn or the bad one. When Glenn dials up an aggressive, proactive game plan like he did against Denver last week or did early in the season, Detroit is an upper-echelon defense. When they’re passive and read/react like they’ve been against the Bears (twice) or the Seahawks or Ravens, they might be the worst D in the league. If Nick Mullens can move around, reset and take shots down the field and/or outside the numbers, he’ll find some openings. Running backs in a safety valve receiving role work well, too. Delayed handoffs and draw plays are dead in the water against Detroit, not even worth trying.
Is Sam LaPorta that good?
Short answer: he’s even better than that. Yes.
Longer answer: LaPorta’s route running and attention to detail in the passing game are already elite for a tight end. He’s tough, physical and great with the ball in his hands. The blocking from the slot is already as good as any TE in the league, though inline needs some work. He’s the most impactful rookie TE in the passing game since Gronk and has a chance to be the most productive receiving rookie TE in the Super Bowl era.
Who wins and why?
I think the Lions have too much firepower for the Vikings to match, especially with the Detroit OL intact to maul in the run game and keep Goff comfortable. The Vikings will keep it close and can win if they force Detroit mistakes and if Minnesota scores touchdowns instead of field goals in the red zone.
Lions 26, Vikings 22.
