(Photo: Clutchpoints)
NFC Game Of The Week
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Vikings: Never did I think they’d be in the running for the best record in the NFC or even in contention for the NFC North. This is the hottest team in the league right as they have won nine consecutive games since that Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 24th. When J.J. McCarthy went down with his knee injury during training camp, you thought it was even more of a loss season and there was no way Sam Darnold could right the ship, correct? This is exactly why football is such a great sport you see teams come out of left field and wow you. The Minnesota Vikings have won 14 games which is their most since 1998 when they had an MVP Quarterback named Randall Cunningham and two Hall of Fame Wide Receivers in Randy Moss and Cris Carter. This team during this season has been consistent on both sides of the football as their offense can attack you in different ways such as using the ground attack and in the air with the passing game. One of my biggest takeaways in their win against the Packers last Sunday was how Justin Jefferson was kept in check throughout the game and the other weapons stepped it up and made those key plays. How could you not be happy for a guy like Sam Darnold? During his time at USC, he was widely regarded as a pro ready Quarterback out the gates and when he got to the league, he struggled mightily. This year, with the right coaching and system in place, he’s played at such a high level, but most importantly, he’s played with patience. One thing he’d do early on in his career is force the ball and that’s when interceptions occur. With a win on Sunday night, the Vikings will clinch their first division title since 2022.
Lions: They’ve been so much fun to watch this year and at one time, this was the hottest team in the league that won 11 consecutive games before losing to the Buffalo Bills on December 15th. There was a point this season when they hadn’t lost a game since week two against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I understand this is a grueling sport that of course takes a toll on a player both physically and mentally, but this Lions group has dealt with injuries left and right, yet it’s the next man up and the job gets done. I didn’t know what direction their defense would go in after they lost Aidan Hutchinson to a leg injury. This is why I respect Dan Campbell as a coach because if he sees you’re capable of filling a void, he will make sure you see your time on the field. On Monday night, they entered their NFC Championship rematch with the 49ers as a Wild Card and all they needed to do was win the game, and boom, they’re back in the driver’s seat of the NFC North and most importantly, the conference due to the head-to-head tiebreaker they have over the Minnesota Vikings. This is a Detroit offense that can attack a defense in several ways and they don’t hide from the fact they want to run the football with the best offensive line in the league setting the tone and paving the way upfront. They needed all hands on deck to win a shootout and get their revenge. With the win on Monday, they now have the most victories in a single season in franchise history. They’ve proven that they are here to compete for the long run and last season wasn’t a fluke whatsoever. This Sunday night, they return home with so much to play for and all that’s in their way is the Minnesota Vikings.
Vikings X-Factor: Jordan Addison– I was high on him in college and I love what he’s becoming for this Minnesota offense. Jordan and of course, Justin Jefferson have formed one of the best Wide Receiver duos in the league. Jordan is quick, athletic, and a playmaker with the football in his hands. Also, he has the route running, the hands to make the catch, speed and he can make a defender miss. I also love the trust he’s gained from Sam Darnold as well. He’s just as impactful of a piece to this offense as any other weapon.
Lions X-Factor: Kerby Joseph– This is a star in the making and I can’t wait to see him grow even more as a football player. This Lions’ defense is stacked with playmakers when healthy. Detroit has been fortunate to have two top-notch Safeties in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Kerby is a ball hawk who loves running to the ball and playing back to defend the pass. Even if he isn’t making the interception, he’s still deflecting the ball and still making a play. Kerby is a Safety who plays with range. He’s that center fielder I often describe.
Final Thoughts: So, who in their right mind thought a battle between Jared Goff and Sam Darnold would be a primetime game with so much to decide? The NFC North division title and the top seed in the NFC Playoffs are all on the line here and what’s even crazier is one of these teams will finish the year with 14 wins and will start the playoffs on the road next weekend. These two met earlier in the year and the Lions handed the Vikings their first loss of the season in a close battle. The ball will be flying in this game just as it did in the first meeting as both teams aren’t necessarily the greatest when it comes to defending the pass. This Lions Offensive Line against the Brian Flores’ coached defense of the Vikings will also be must-see TV. This is strength facing strength as I often call it. Both of these teams are also strong in one-score games with Minnesota being 9-1 in such games and the Lions being 6-1. I don’t see either team being able to run the football on the other which is why I mentioned this will come down to the Quarterbacks. Ford Field will be rocking and this will come down to the fourth quarter. I like the Lions at home here to win the division for the second consecutive season and get a week off in the first round.
Prediction: Lions 33, Vikings 30
