| The Detroit News
Justin Rogers, Rod Beard, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Sunday’s Lions at Vikings game (1 p.m., CBS, 760 AM).
►Justin Rogers: It’s a shame that nine weeks into the season this game will determine who will be in the NFC North basement entering the second half of the campaign. Not surprisingly, neither team has shown any consistency in 2020, but the Vikings are certainly entering the matchup on a high note, having knocked off the Packers a week earlier. If this young defense found a way to slow Aaron Rodgers, it should be able to replicate that formula against a Lions squad missing top receiver Kenny Golladay. Vikings 27, Lions 23
►Rod Bead: Last week, the Lions had a chance to change some perceptions with a victory over a team with a winning record, but they fell woefully short. They can get back to .500 at the season’s midpoint with a win over a struggling division rival. At some point, Matt Patricia’s influence will have to take hold if he’s going to keep his job past this season. If Matthew Stafford can’t play Sunday, it’ll be that much harder. Vikings 27, Lions 17
►John Niyo: There’s no telling what to expect given Matthew Stafford’s uncertain status. But the Lions’ question marks certainly don’t end there, with key starters missing due to injury on both sides of the ball. We’ve seen what Kenny Golladay’s absence can do, but we’re about to see how much the Lions miss Trey Flowers, too. And Dalvin Cook might be due for another big day. Vikings 28, Lions 20
More: Detroit News NFL picks: Week 9
►Bob Wojnowski: This is a scrap for survival, in many ways. The loser drops to 3-5 and gets the cozy NFC North basement as a prize, and both teams are dealing with depletions in key areas. If Matthew Stafford emerges from the COVID list in time, as hoped, the Lions’ chances obviously rise. But no Kenny Golladay means they miss a deep threat to attack a Minnesota secondary ravaged by injuries. Essentially, this comes down to two issues. Is the Lions run defense legitimately improved? And is Vikings running back Dalvin Cook fully back as a game-changing star? The safe bet here is Cook in the Lions’ kitchen all day. Vikings 34, Lions 24