The Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football for first place in the NFC North and NFC.
The winner of the contest finishes first in the NFC and gets home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, the loser of the matchup will fall to fifth in the NFC and be on the road for the wild-card round.
This is the biggest game of the season and Ford Field will have a playoff-like atmosphere on Sunday Night.
Below, we go over three key matchups that will determine the outcome of the game.
Lions Vs Vikings: Key Matchups To Watch
These two teams each have 14 wins on the year. The winner finishes first in the NFC while the loser falls to fifth in the conference.
Both offenses have been excellent this year. It will come down to a key defensive play that could determine the outcome of the game.
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, & T.J. Hockenson Vs Lions Secondary
The biggest key for the Lions is how their banged-up defense will hold up against one of the best offenses in the league.
Detroit has numerous defensive players on IR and they have struggled mightily to stop teams recently.
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson present a challenge for any defense but it will be even more challenging for the Lions with how banged up they are.
If Detroit can get Sam Darnold to throw an interception or two, which he is prone to do, this will be a major help in defeating Minnesota.
However, if the Vikings can move down the field all game and score, Detroit’s offense will be under a lot of pressure to be perfect on Sunday night.
Vikings Pass Rush vs Lions Offensive Line
Speaking of Detroit’s offense, their offensive line will need to protect Goff against a Vikings pass rush that ranks third in the league in sacks per game.
On a night that the Lions’ offense needs to be perfect or nearly perfect, the line must protect Goff against an aggressive Vikings defense.
Back in week 7, the Lions defeated the Vikings in Minnesota 31-29 but Goff was sacked four times. The Lions were healthier in week 7 than now. Detroit can not afford to let Goff get sacked nearly as much.
The offensive line must protect Goff and run block well to keep Detroit’s defense off the field as much as possible.
Ben Johnson vs Brian Flores
The third key matchup will be from the sidelines. Detroit’s offensive Coordinator, Ben Johnson, against Minnesota’s defensive Coordinator, Brian Flores, will be a huge factor in this contest.
With Detroit’s defense so banged up, the Lions will need to outscore the Vikings.
Brian Flores runs an aggressive defense, that ranks third in the league in sacks per game.
However, Ben Johnson’s offense is first in the league in points per game. Detroit will need to be nearly perfect on offense and not turn the ball over.
How the Lions’ offense fares against Minnesota’s defense will determine the game. If Minnesota can get stops and a turnover or two, this will significantly boost their chances of winning as Detroit’s defense is very banged up.
