Lions vs Vikings: Week 3 preview and predictions

The Minnesota Vikings take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. Last season, the Vikings and Lions had both games decided on the final play of the game with the home team getting the win in both games.

Both teams enter the game at 1-1 and their loss is to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions got down by 17 but made a game of it while the Vikings never could close the gap.

Heading into Sunday’s game, we previewed the game with the managing editor of The Lions Wire, Jeff Risdon.

Other preview pieces:

Matchups to watch
Players that need to play well
Reasons for optimism
Final injury report
Zulgad: Offense a work in progress
Zulgad: O’Connell to be tested
Updated 53-man roster
Broadcast map
How to watch

Tyler Forness-Vikings Wire Managing Editor

Sep 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) scores a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings are in an interesting spot. After dominating in week one against the Green Bay Packers, they had a massive clunker Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the Kirk Cousins era, that is somewhat normal. One thing that Mike Zimmer did after Cousins had a bad game was put the ball in the hands of Dalvin Cook. There is a myriad of examples with this with the most glaring being against the Miami Dolphins in 2018.

The Lions have the second-ranked scoring offense and 31st-ranked scoring defense so this could end up a true shootout. Establishing the run and stopping the Lions rushing game which is currently averaging 4.6 yards before contact will be a big factor in a Vikings win. As it did with both games last year, the home-field advantage gives the Vikings a win. Vikings 28, Lions 25

Jeff Risdon-Lions Wire Managing Editor

Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Ford Field, Sept. 18, 2022.
Nfl Washington Commanders At Detroit Lions

The Lions are hoping to keep the offensive fireworks smoking. They’ve scored at least 35 points three games in a row. The balance and explosiveness on offense can keep Detroit in any game, and the line is strong even with backups in place.

The biggest issue for the Lions is stopping the Vikings offense. Jeff Okudah has stepped up nicely as a top cover corner, allowing just one catch to Devonta Smith and Terry McLaurin combined in the first two games. The rest of the secondary has struggled with speed and horizontal route concepts. I expect the Lions to be able to score a lot. I expect the Vikings to be able to score just a little more at home. Vikings 33, Lions 31

Judd Zulgad-Vikings Wire Columnist

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings need to bounce back after losing to the Eagles in a Monday night game in which the defense let them down in the first half and the offense produced only seven points. Ed Donatell’s defense will have to stop a Lions offense that is second in the NFL in scoring and coach Kevin O’Connell needs to get Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen more involved on offense. The fact the Vikings are playing at home – where they beat Green Bay in Week 1 – will give them an advantage. Vikings 24, Lions 20

Story originally appeared on Vikings Wire