Week One Predictions-Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions-Outcome- Vikings 27-Lions 21
This first week of NFL action should be exciting, especially in Detroit, where the Norsemen from Minnesota and Detroit Lions will attempt to rock the house at Ford Field. The Vikings, coming off a 10-6 season, are one of the strongest teams in the NFC today. Their mainstay, Adrian Peterson, is coming off one of the greatest rushing seasons of all-time and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down (2,097 yards, 12 touchdowns). Although he won’t have as a successful season as he had last season, Peterson will be as equally as effective for the Vikings.
In addition the Vikings had some big off-season signings in former Packer Greg Jennings (former Pro Bowler and 1,000 yard receiver in 3 straight seasons) and 29th overall pick out of Tennessee Cordarrelle Patterson (778 yards and 5 touchdowns last season for the Volunteers). These additions as well as the return of 2nd year TE Kyle Rudolph (493 yards, 9 touchdowns) reassure Christian Ponder of some reliable weapons after a pretty good rookie season with less-than-reliable receivers (considering Adrian Peterson’s role in the offense).
For the Lions, they had a very productive off-season, signing former Miami RB Reggie Bush, QB Matthew Stafford, and former Bears DE Isreal Idonije. This offense has the ability to really make their mark on the NFC North this season if they can combine their receiving talent with their deep rushing talent in an NFC North that has some of the best backs in the game. Calvin Johnson, coming off a NFL record setting season (122 receptions, 1,964 yards), is primed to have another great season with Matthew Stafford under center. And although Stafford did have over 4,900 yards, he only threw for 20 touchdowns and did throw 17 interceptions. He’s going to have to make some better decisions, especially when facing tough pass defenses like the Vikings’.
If the Lions are going to have any luck in week one, they must utilize Reggie Bush (986 yards 8 total touchdowns) and utilize him well. By letting Bush go, the Dolphins made a huge mistake, but now the Lions can use it to their advantage and totally destroy opposing defenses, especially the Vikings. Bush’s speediness and ability to run in the open field make him one of the more underrated backs in the game. I believe the combination of Leshoure and Bush, when used correctly, can be a potentially very dangerous running attack in the NFL.
All in all, this NFC North matchup is a doosie, but in the end the Vikings should come out on top. Both the Vikings and Lions have similar defenses, both can stop the run and the pass, but unlike the Vikings, the Lions are still susceptible to giving up big points (Lions allowed 27.3 points per game in 2012). Thus, I’m taking the Vikings in this match-up, Adrian Peterson is just too beastly and Matthew Stafford, especially after last season, has to prove he can still lead this team. Should be Vikings on top.