► James Hawkins: The hits keep coming and the road gets tougher for the Lions. They’ll head to Minnesota short on the offensive line and with their first-round draft pick hobbled, weakening the team’s strongest unit. They’ll also be without one of their top pass rushers and will need to find a way to disrupt Kirk Cousins so he doesn’t pick apart the secondary with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Injuries to key players are tough for any team to overcome, but they cut deeper when you’re a winless club that’s already operating with little margin for error. Vikings, 27-14
► John Niyo: Matt Patricia never beat the Vikings. Dan Campbell probably won’t, either, so long as he’s trying to with an active roster that looks like this. An offensive line missing multiple starters? A defensive front without its best pass rusher? A secondary this inexperienced? It’s a recipe for a loss anywhere, but especially on the road against a division rival. Vikings 30, Lions 17
► Justin Rogers: Down even more key cogs, and heading on the road against a formidable foe, it’s easy to see these young Lions suffering another double-digit defeat. Still, call it a gut feeling, but I think Detroit manages to keep this close. Of course, maybe I’m being presumptuous the makeshift offensive line can keep Jared Goff upright against one of the league’s most-aggressive pass rushes. Vikings 27, Lions 23
► Bob Wojnowski: A rough spot gets even rougher for the banged-up Lions. The Vikings have won seven straight in the series, and at 1-3 are desperate. Mike Zimmer’s defense can beat opponents up, and Danielle Hunter and the pass rush have to be salivating over the state of the Lions’ offensive line. It’s missing two starters and uncertain on Penei Sewell’s injury. The Lions’ best hope still rests on their backfield with Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift. The Lions also are depleted in the secondary, so Kirk Cousins might play catch all day with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Vikings 34-17