Get to Know the Vikings Opponent: Week 14 @ Detroit Lions
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings came away with a Week 13 victory against the New York Jets this past weekend, and now they head out on the road to take on the Detroit Lions. There are big stakes in this game as the Vikings can clinch the NFC North with a win over their division rivals.
Meanwhile, the Lions essentially find themselves in an elimination game, needing a victory to stay reasonably in the hunt for a playoff spot. Before the game kicks off in a few short days, let’s get to know the Vikings opponent.
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Recent Schedule
- Week 9 vs. Green Bay Packers: Win, 15-9
- Week 10 @ Chicago Bears: Win, 31-30
- Week 11 @ New York Giants: Win, 31-18
- Week 12 vs. Buffalo Bills: Loss, 25-28
- Week 13 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Win, 40-14
Stat Leaders
Passing
- Completions: Jared Goff (263)
- Pass Attempts: Jared Goff (405)
- Passing Yards: Jared Goff (3022)
- Passing Touchdowns: Jared Goff (19)
- Interceptions: Jared Goff (7)
Rushing
- Rushes: Jamaal Williams (188)
- Rushing Yards: Jamaal Williams (769)
- Rushing Touchdowns: Jamaal Williams (14)
Receiving
- Receptions: Amon-Ra St. Brown (76)
- Receiving Yards: Amon-Ra St. Brown (830)
- Receiving Touchdowns: Amon-Ra St. Brown (6)
Defense
- Tackles: Alex Anzalone (91)
- Solo Tackles: DeShon Elliott (59)
- Tackles for Loss: Malcolm Rodriguez (6)
- Sacks: Aidan Hutchinson (6.0)
- Interceptions: Kerby Joseph (3)
- Pass Defenses: Three Tied (5)
Kicking
- Field Goals Made: Michael Badgley (11)
- Field Goals Attempted: Mchael Badgley (12)
- Longest Field Goal: Michael Badgley (53 yards)
- XPs Made: Michael Badgley (18)
- XP Attempts: Michael Badgley (18)
Punting
- Total Punts: Jack Fox (35)
- Punt Yards: Jack Fox (1707)
- Yards per Punt: Jack Fox (48.8)
- Net Yards per Punt: Jack Fox (40.5)
- Longest Punt: Jack Fox (63 yards)
Storylines to Watch
Clinching Scenario
It’s been beaten to death, but it has to be mentioned one more time. If the Vikings win this game, they clinch the NFC North. It would mark their first division crown since 2017, and it would clinch their first playoff appearance since 2019.
However, the Lions are sure to put up a fight in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. At 5-7, another loss this season could be the dagger that ensures they miss out on postseason play for the sixth consecutive year.
Young Lions Lead Defense
When taking a look at the Lions defensive stats leaders, it becomes apparent that this group is led by its young stars. Particularly from the 2022 NFL Draft, Detroit appears to have nailed their selections on that side of the ball.
Rookie EDGE rusher and second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson leads the way in sacks with 6.0. Third-round pick Kerby Joseph leads the team in interceptions (3) and pass defenses (5) at the safety position. Then, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, who was selected in the sixth round, has burst onto the scene to lead the team in tackles for loss with six.
Detroit’s defense may not be among the league’s best this year, but they have plenty of intriguing pieces to build around moving into the future. They are certainly going to be part of the NFC playoff picture in future years.
T.J. Hockenson Revenge
At the NFL trade deadline, the Minnesota Vikings sent a package of draft picks to the Detroit Lions in order to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson. This happened as a result of Irv Smith going down with a high ankle sprain that has kept him out ever since.
This Sunday, Hockenson will return to Detroit for the first time since the trade and has been a major part of the Vikings offense in his first five games with the team. Thus far in Minnesota, he’s recorded 30 receptions, for 225 yards, and a touchdown.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.