Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions logos over Ford Field with Vikings at Lions NFL Week 8 preview text
Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions logos over Ford Field with Vikings at Lions NFL Week 8 preview text
This all-NFC North clash pits the Vikings, the NFC’s No. 1 seed and last unbeaten team, against the Lions, who sit third in the NFC North and would hold the sixth seed if the season ended today.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
The Vikings (6-0) have had a favourable schedule so far. After their first two games against the Packers and the Bears, they played the Buccaneers (winless at the time, won by seven points), Dolphins (winless at the time, won by five points), the Saints (with only one win, won by 10 points) and the Colts, who had two wins at the time, whom they beat by six points.
QB Kyler Murray has only played five games, but has completed 83 of 125 passes for 812 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt and 162.4 yards per game, which for a side who is unbeaten, is not great numbers. He also has 25 carries for 132 yards.
With those sorts of QB numbers, you would think the Run game would be extensive. Veteran RB Aaron Jones has 105 carries for 436 yards and only two touchdowns, with Jordan Mason having 30 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown. WR Justin Jefferson is WR1 for Murray, with 23 receptions (from 31 targets) for 302 yards and three touchdowns, whilst TE T.J. Hockenson has 27 receptions (from 32 targets) for 237 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions beat their division rivals, the Packers in a close game last week, winning by just three points. Their two losses came against the Bills in week two, and surprisingly the Panthers in week four.
QB Jared Goff has been really good this season, despite the record. He has completed 150 of 223 passes for 1,788 yards, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt and 298 yards per game.
Only four players have scored touchdowns for the Lions this season. RB Jahmyr Gibbs has 134 carries for 620 yards and seven touchdowns, with 32 receptions (from 40 targets) for 270 yards and another two touchdowns. WR1 Amon-Ra St.Brown has 46 receptions (from 68 targets) for 525 yards and five touchdowns, whilst WR2 Jameson Williams has 23 receptions (from 38 targets) for 367 yards and four touchdowns. TE Sam LaPorta has been impressive as well. He has 28 receptions (from 39 targets) for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
Who Wins and How?
I honestly think this will be one game too far for the Vikings. Despite being undefeated, the Vikings have had some luck with the scheduling and in games too. There are only two teams who have yet to score 10+ offensive touchdowns this season – the 0-6 Chargers and the 6-0 Vikings! The Lions are ranked 2nd in points scored per game (30.7), but ranked 26th in points allowed (27.5). The Vikings haven’t scored that many points, ranking 23rd with an average of 20.8 per game. However, their defence has been lights out so far. They rank first in points allowed (12.3) and second in passing yards allowed per game (155).
Prediction – It will be another tight game for the Vikings, but I think the Lions win by three points.