The NFC North crown is on the line in Minnesota when the Detroit Lions visit the Vikings on Sunday. The Lions wrap up their first division title in 30 years with a win, while the Vikings are hoping to stay in the hunt and also bolster their wild card chances.
It’s the first of two meetings in three weeks for the two teams. To help get ready for what we might see in those matchups, I got with Vikings Wire editor Tyler Forness for a few questions.
What does Nick Mullens offer at quarterback?
He’s essentially discount Kirk Cousins with a little bit of extra gunslinger in him. That will lead to some bozo throws every so often which led to two (nearly three) interceptions against the Cincinnati Bengals. What Mullens does provide over Josh Dobbs is a level of timing in Kevin O’Connell’s offense that Dobbs just can’t provide. The Vikings likely aren’t going far due to having a backup quarterback but it will be fun with Mullens.
The Vikings run defense has been very strong. What’s the key to their success?
It’s really been about the basics. Gap control and strong tackling. Considering the Vikings have played three safeties every snap over the last five week paired with multiple linebackers less than 20% of snaps most weeks, you wouldn’t expect the run defense to be as strong as it is. Harrison Phillips has also been incredible as a two-gapping nose tackle at less than 310 lbs. Which has also been a massive factor.
How is T.J. Hockenson working out in his first full season since the trade from Detroit?
It really depends on who you ask. Overall, Hockenson has been great with 92 receptions for 902 yards and five touchdowns but the lack of success making the tough and contested catches has been frustrating, especially the target turned interception against the Los Angeles Chargers. This season, Hockenson is just 8/25 (32%) when he was 40/74 (54%) going into the 2023 season. Considering the contract he just signed, those catches are expected but the success he has had as a top target for the Vikings (47 first downs this season) has been a welcomed presence next to Justin Jefferson.
What about the Lions worries you the most from a Vikings perspective?
This one is very simple: keep Jared Goff clean. The Vikings getting a lack of pressure and not being able to confuse Goff could spell disaster for the Vikings defense, as Goff can be beaten if you can pressure him with consistently. The Vikings lead the NFL in three-man and six-plus-man pressures, using a myriad of looks to confuse quarterbacks.
Who wins and why?
The Vikings are going into this game with a 2-1 record in the division while the Lions sit at 2-2. The Vikings are in somewhat of a desperation mode at this point in the season when it comes to the playoffs especially after a Los Angeles Rams win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. Things might be a completely different story in two weeks when the two teams play again in the final week of the regular season but the home field advantage will give the Vikings a slight win.
Vikings 27, Lions 24