A year ago, it would have been inconceivable that despite posting a franchise-best 14-2 win-loss record, the Detroit Lions could find themselves in a winner-take-all battle against their division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The winner locks up the number one seed with the NFC Division title, a first-week bye, and home-field advantage while the loser is relegated to also-ran status with a fifth-place Wild Card slot.
Lions Face A Winner Take All Battle for The Number One Seed
The final regular-season game is a “must-win” scenario for the Lions. But despite all the Lions’ record-breaking triumphs this season, the team could end up with little to show for it as they begin the playoffs. Just a few short weeks ago Detroit had a solid hold on the NFC North title. They were one full game ahead of the Vikings and held the tiebreaker after beating Minnesota in week seven.
But despite scoring 42 points, the Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 . The Vikings won their remaining games and the two teams now have an identical 14-2 record. However, the Lions have been overcoming seemingly impossible odds all season. Here’s how they can beat Minnesota to claim the number-one seed.
Keys To A Lions Win Over The Vikings
Despite the Lions’ NFL league-leading offense, notching a win against the Vikings won’t be easy. This game might be the toughest challenge the Lions face all season.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff is having an MVP season. NFL journeyman and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold experienced a renaissance under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell. Darnold is playing the best football of his career at an elite level.
According to FantasyPros.com, Darnold’s numbers are almost as good as Goff’s with 4,153 yards on 504 attempts with 35 touchdowns. Goff has 36 touchdowns from 506 attempts for 4,398 yards. Goff also has the edge with fewer interceptions.
The Lions’ Offense Wins Games By Steamrolling Opponents
Monday night’s 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers was the fifth time the Lions have scored 40 or more points in a game. It’s not merely a matter of winning a game, it’s steamrolling the competition with a dominant show of force. Detroit’s outstanding offense continues to light up the scoreboard and find the endzone no matter which NFL opponent they face.
The first step for the Lions to beat Minnesota is sticking with what has worked so well all season long. Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme has been exceptional. Goff has been stellar this season, launching precision passes to his favored targets with a calm steady focus. The Lions offense made the NFL record books Monday night becoming the second team in NFL history to boast four individual players with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. They are the only team to accomplish this feat with two running backs and two wide receivers.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs leads the team in both touchdowns and yards with 1,273 rushing and 486 receiving yards totaling 1,759. Confounding defenders with his spinning moves and lightning speed, he has 13 rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores. Gibbs has been brilliant as he assumed an ever-increasing workload following David Montgomery’s injury. Despite missing the last few weeks with an injury, Montgomery has a dozen touchdowns on 1,116 total yards with 775 rushing and 341 receiving.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is second to Gibbs this season with 12 touchdowns on 1,186 receiving yards. The Sun God has six more yards on two carries for 1,192 yards. Rounding out the quartet is Jameson Williams who is having a breakout year with 967 receiving yards and another 61 rushing yards for a total of 1,028. Scoring his first rushing touchdown against the 49ers, Williams increased his season total to eight.
Despite a slow start to his season, tight end Sam LaPorta is not far behind with seven touchdowns on 53 receptions for 663 yards. With the wealth of exceptional talent on this roster, Johnson can produce an exciting and dynamic offensive scheme.
Lions Win With A Stronger Defense
Lions safety Kerby Joseph has been sensational this season, leading the NFL with 9 interceptions. Joseph’s two interceptions off 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy were a key reason the Lions won that game. While Joseph has been brilliant all season and in the right place at the right time, the Lions’ defense will need to do more than rely on his timely interceptions. The Lions need to stop Darnold before he finds an open receiver. Getting Alex Anzalone back will be critical to a stronger defensive effort.
But pressuring Darnold and disrupting his passing game could cause him to rely more on his rushing ability. Darnold is a more mobile quarterback than Goff. He has 202 yards on 64 rushing attempts with one touchdown. Darnold presents a bigger threat with his arm than with his legs. However, the Lions haven’t been able to blitz much this season after losing Hutchinson.
The Lions rushing defense has been far more successful than our passing defense. If the defense can pressure Darnold, knowing his only recourse is to scramble, the Lions should be able to stop him on the ground.
Detroit’s defense must play a clean game and avoid unnecessary penalties. Safety Brian Branch has been outstanding this year as indicated by his Pro Bowl selection . However, his aggressive style of play resulted in six fines totaling over $60,000, and an ejection in week 9. Those infractions cost the Lions unnecessary penalty yardage.
Final Key To A Lions Victory
The Lions have another advantage over the Vikings in our special teams unit. Coordinator Dave Fipp has an outstanding group that will only get stronger with Kaliff Raymond’s return from IR. Kicker Jake Bates can deliver long-range field goals under pressure. By comparison, Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard has struggled since his return last month from IR. The Lion’s outstanding punter Jack Fox can deliver precision kicks that pin the opponent far back in their territory.
The final key to a Lions win is staying healthy and not suffering any more injuries heading into the playoffs. If the Lions can remain healthy they have a strong chance of getting back Aidan Hutchinson , David Montgomery , and Carlton Davis. With those three players back on the field the Lions’ chances for a Super Bowl victory significantly improve.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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