2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Detroit Lions (3-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-5)

Sunday, November 8, 1PM ET

Leave it to the Minnesota Vikings to start 1-5, and then knock off the 5-1 Packers in Week 8. I knew they were more talented than their record indicated, but they haven’t done a good job of showing it this season as they’ve consistently underwhelmed in 2020.

With that said, it appears the return of Dalvin Cook gave them just the boost they needed on the offensive end. And while this secondary is still a majority liability, we can’t completely assume they’ll get smoked every week after keeping Aaron Rodgers from lighting them up.

The Detroit Lions have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, which should make slowing down Cook a real pain. Even if they do find a way to slow him down, Kirk Cousins should be able to make enough plays to come out on top — it’s not like the Lions have excelled at pressuring opposing passers in 2020.

The Lions have looked good at times this season, but their defense is too weak to win on a regular basis. After getting run over by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, they’ll suffer a demoralizing divisional loss in Week 9 to a Vikings team that’s figuring things out a little too late.

Prediction: Vikings win 27-23