Minnesota Vikings: Studs and duds vs. Lions in Week 14

Stud: Vikings defense

A week after Minnesota allowed a Seattle Seahawks squad to go off for 37 points while struggling to hold Russell Wilson and company in check for a majority of the Week 13 loss on the road, the Vikings defense bounced back with a nice performance in the win over Detroit.

While holding the Lions to a total of seven points following a late-game touchdown, including holding them scoreless in the first two quarters at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings defense held Detroit to 275 total yards in the win.

Minnesota was also able to force Detroit into two turnovers in the game, the first of which came behind an interception from Vikings safety Harrison Smith in the second half with the second occurring in the final seconds of the game.

After catching some heat for their performance in the last few weeks and especially in the Week 13 loss last Monday, Minnesota’s defensive unit stepped up and was a big reason for the Vikings remaining perfect at home following a victory on Sunday.

Dud: Rhodes getting injured

Following an interception by Vikings safety Harrison Smith in the second half of the game on Sunday afternoon, Xavier Rhodes collided with Smith and appeared to have hurt his ankle that pushed him out of the game.

Shortly after he left the game, the team announced that Rhodes was questionable to return to the contest against Detroit with a right ankle injury.

Rhodes has struggled to some extent for Minnesota up to this point in the season, but the Vikings are going to need him back on the field and healthy moving forward for a remainder of the season while they prepare to take on the playoffs at the end of the year.