Are the Vikings Really a Lock This Week? (1 Viewer)

[Islander]

1. The Vikings had an easy win on paper last week, but they only outgained the Browns 310-268 in yardage.

2. The Lions can move the ball on offense

3. It's a divisional game. See Bills-Pats and Chargers-Raiders last week. The dogs lost, but they made it close. There are several such examples every year, these are just two that should be fresh in everybody's mind.

4. In week #6 last year, it took a last minute FG for the Vikes to beat the Lions at home 12-10.

5. In week #14 last year, the Vikings won 20-16, a game which they were behind early in the 4th qtr. In fact it was as close as 17-16 with 5 minutes left when the Vikes were able to run down the clock and kick a FG at the end.

6. Last year the Lions were also decent in their second game against division foes CHI and GB.

7. Favre could throw for 4 TDs 0 INT, but he could also throw 0 TD and 4 INTs. He can be a surprise box. See his home game last year vs the Chiefs where he almost single handedly lost it for the Jets against a weak team.

8. The Lions play at home.

 

[Kuz]

1. The Vikings had an easy win on paper last week, but they only outgained the Browns 310-268 in yardage. 2. The Lions can move the ball on offense3. It's a divisional game. See Bills-Pats and Chargers-Raiders last week. The dogs lost, but they made it close. There are several such examples every year, these are just two that should be fresh in everybody's mind. 4. In week #6 last year, it took a last minute FG for the Vikes to beat the Lions at home 12-10. 5. In week #14 last year, the Vikings won 20-16, a game which they were behind early in the 4th qtr. In fact it was as close as 17-16 with 5 minutes left when the Vikes were able to run down the clock and kick a FG at the end. 6. Last year the Lions were also decent in their second game against division foes CHI and GB. 7. Favre could throw for 4 TDs 0 INT, but he could also throw 0 TD and 4 INTs. He can be a surprise box. See his home game last year vs the Chiefs where he almost single handedly lost it for the Jets against a weak team. 8. The Lions play at home.

There's no such this as a lock in the NFL but I will be very very suprised if the Vikes don't win on Sunday.. I think Detroit will win 3 or 4 games this year but not this one..

 

[Mr. Yuk]

Divisional games are almost always close. Any given sunday like they say, but the Vikes should be embarrassed if they don't win by more than a TD.

 

[HornedOne]

Anything's possible but a Lions win is very unlikely.

The Lions may have scored some points against the Saints but they only had about 240 yards of offense and the last quarter or so was garbage time. Stafford did not look good. And the Vikings D is better than the Saints.

MN was up by 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and the Browns put together an 80 yard drive against 2nd stringers at the end of the game to pad the stats.

Favre seems to be accepting his game manager role with Peterson as the star. I doubt he will have either 4 TDs or 4 ints.

Turnovers or ST breakdowns can always change things in a hurry but I would have to get very long odds to put any money on the Lions. And the 10 point spread Vegas is offering would not be enough.

 

[mozzy84]

I probably wouldnt take them at the -10 they are at, but like yuk said they should be embarrassed if they dont win. Hell I'll be embarrassed if they lose.

 

[scott72]

Nothing is for certain and we know how the Vikings have a history of underachieving, but this team should destroy the Lions. Yea the Lions will probably get some garbage pts, but the Vikings should cover with ease.

 

[packersfan]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play.

I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

 

[az_prof]

It's the NFL and anything can happen any given week: there are NO locks. That being said, the Vikes have beaten the Lions 11 of the last 12. And you have to ask, do you really think the Vikings got worse and the Lions got that much better compared to previous five years? If anything, the Vikes are better.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play. I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had 5 sacks and their first team defense didn't give up a TD. I fail to see how they didn't impress!?That being said...anything can happen and I've been a Vikings' fan too long to know that anything is a lock.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Miami Dolphins 38-13 New England Patriots

 

[packersfan]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play. I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had 5 sacks and their first team defense didn't give up a TD. I fail to see how they didn't impress!?

I was surprised that Jamal Lewis averaged over 5.5 YPC against a terrific run defense. Actually, I was shocked by that. I also thought they would be able to get more than 1 pick against Quinn. Maybe my expectations were too high or perhaps my expectations were too low for the Browns but I thought the Vikings would do more than they did.

 

[California]

I expect the Vikings to win but would not be surprised at all if the Lions do. If anything, Childress might do something to lose the game for the Vikes.

 

[Kuz]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play. I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had 5 sacks and their first team defense didn't give up a TD. I fail to see how they didn't impress!?That being said...anything can happen and I've been a Vikings' fan too long to know that anything is a lock.

The weird thing is I agree with Packersfan on this one. I know they didn't really give up much in regards to points but I was really surprised they didn't pressure the QB that much & Lewis actually ran on them a bit. I anticipate a much better game by the defense this week..

 

[kylechoffman]

Werent the vikes a lock at home last year and they basically kicked a FG at the end to win it? - Edit yeah they were down 10-9 until 12 second left.

 

[sho nuff]

Werent the vikes a lock at home last year and they basically kicked a FG at the end to win it? - Edit yeah they were down 10-9 until 12 second left.

And it took a miracle pass interference call to get them in FG range.its no lock...but like others said...they should easily wear them down with the Oline and Peterson.Better protect Favre better though.

 

[the rover]

The Lions have lost 25 of their last 26, including their last 18 in a row and are starting a rookie QB in his 2nd game ever. The Vikings have a solid D, a great running game featuring an MVP caliber RB and a decent passing game with a QB who has started 270 consecutive games more than the Lions' QB. I'm going with lock here.

 

[jon_mx]

1. The Vikings had an easy win on paper last week, but they only outgained the Browns 310-268 in yardage. 2. The Lions can move the ball on offense3. It's a divisional game. See Bills-Pats and Chargers-Raiders last week. The dogs lost, but they made it close. There are several such examples every year, these are just two that should be fresh in everybody's mind. 4. In week #6 last year, it took a last minute FG for the Vikes to beat the Lions at home 12-10. 5. In week #14 last year, the Vikings won 20-16, a game which they were behind early in the 4th qtr. In fact it was as close as 17-16 with 5 minutes left when the Vikes were able to run down the clock and kick a FG at the end. 6. Last year the Lions were also decent in their second game against division foes CHI and GB. 7. Favre could throw for 4 TDs 0 INT, but he could also throw 0 TD and 4 INTs. He can be a surprise box. See his home game last year vs the Chiefs where he almost single handedly lost it for the Jets against a weak team. 8. The Lions play at home.

I completely agree, except Stafford is not ready for the NFL yet. I think if Culpepper was QB, I would give Detroit about a 40% chance of winning and a 90% chance of covering the spread. With Stafford it is down to about 10% and 50%. I would take Detroit and the 10 points, but with Stafford at QB it could be a blowout.

 

[packersfan]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play. I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

The Vikings had 5 sacks and their first team defense didn't give up a TD. I fail to see how they didn't impress!?That being said...anything can happen and I've been a Vikings' fan too long to know that anything is a lock.

The weird thing is I agree with Packersfan on this one.

It shouldn't be that weird.

 

[Zow]

The Lions have lost 25 of their last 26, including their last 18 in a row and are starting a rookie QB in his 2nd game ever. The Vikings have a solid D, a great running game featuring an MVP caliber RB and a decent passing game with a QB who has started 270 consecutive games more than the Lions' QB. I'm going with lock here.

Some of the other posts in this thread do make some sense, but Rover has pointed out the obvious and usually the obvious is correct. The Vikings have a good pass rush (meaning Stafford won't have time and will make mistakes), and ADP (Lions can't stop the run). Also, Cleveland actually played a good game in my opinion last week (their o-line did well) and that was why the game was close for awhile. I'd be surprised if the vikings don't win by 14 or more.

 

[Balance]

When Stafford relaxes a little and puts some touch on his passes, the Lions will have a shot. Saints game was laser after laser after laser... worked well for some intermediate routes, but no air under the deep passes doesn't work and the 60mph screen passes don't either.

When will that be? No idea.

 

[Buffaloes]

the Favre Factor™ means no game is a lock for Minn this year

 

[Donnybrook]

1. The Vikings had an easy win on paper last week, but they only outgained the Browns 310-268 in yardage. 2. The Lions can move the ball on offense.3. It's a divisional game. See Bills-Pats and Chargers-Raiders last week. The dogs lost, but they made it close. There are several such examples every year, these are just two that should be fresh in everybody's mind. 4. In week #6 last year, it took a last minute FG for the Vikes to beat the Lions at home 12-10. 5. In week #14 last year, the Vikings won 20-16, a game which they were behind early in the 4th qtr. In fact it was as close as 17-16 with 5 minutes left when the Vikes were able to run down the clock and kick a FG at the end. 6. Last year the Lions were also decent in their second game against division foes CHI and GB. 7. Favre could throw for 4 TDs 0 INT, but he could also throw 0 TD and 4 INTs. He can be a surprise box. See his home game last year vs the Chiefs where he almost single handedly lost it for the Jets against a weak team. 8. The Lions play at home.

1. Chicago, Cinci and Arizona outgained their opponents last week and still lost. Yards are misleading if you turn the ball over. Besides I still think the Browns are very under-rated. I expect them to beat Denver.2. The Lions can move the ball on offense vs the New Orleans defense.3. I agree divisional game are usually closer than non divisional. I just don't see how Detriot can stop Peterson when they couldn't stop Bell.4. Vikings were without the services of EJ Henderson, Percy Harvin, Madieu Williams and Brett Favre in week 6 last season.5. In week 14, Vikings did not deserve to win and Detriot got screwed by the referees. Vikings are a better team personel wise than last year.6. No Comment.7. I think Childress is much more conservative than Mangini. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think Favre threw more than one long pass last game. Vikings game plan should be to win this game on the ground.8. I expect the big diffence maker will Jared Allen. I don't expect him to be quite two weeks in a row.

 

[DudeWheresMyRB]

Hrm. Seems to me locks don't get much stronger than this one for the simple fact that MIN D >>>>> NO D. Stafford will look like a rookie this game-- no shame in that, but he is what he is.

 

[datonn]

The Lions always play the Vikings tough. I think the Vikings will pull out a close one, but I'd say it's 50/50 at very best that the Vikings can cover the spread. I expect a 3, 4 or 7 point win...but we'll see.

 

[basher]

On paper, it's difficult to envision a scenario where the Lions win. But I wasn't very impressed with the Vikings' defense in Week 1. I expected them to pressure the Browns into submission and that didn't happen. If they play to their talent level, they should be able to do well - especially if Stafford struggles like he did in Week 1. But if the Vikings give up plays on the field again, that could open the door for Detroit to hang around. And all it takes is a broken coverage for Calvin Johnson to make a big play.

I think the Vikings win and if their defense shows up, they win by double digits. But if they play like they did against Cleveland, I could see the Lions making a game of it until the fourth quarter.

The browns don't have that bad of an offensive line especially with the matchup of Joe Thomas on Jared Allen. The only other player on the team aside from allen who can provide pressure is Kevin Williams but it makes it much easier to double him when you can go 1v1 on Allen. The vikings D just isn't as good when they have to blitz their linebackers to get pressure (as is true with many of the t-2 D's)The browns were able to run the ball with some success (the corpse of Jamal Lewis really looked semi-decent,) they would have been able to limit some of the sacks they did take if they were more decisive with the football out of the QB position. I was underwhelmed by the unit as I felt they would come out and control the tempo of the game ... but they just never did

 

[lionsroar]

Werent the vikes a lock at home last year and they basically kicked a FG at the end to win it? - Edit yeah they were down 10-9 until 12 second left.

And it took a miracle pass interference call to get them in FG range.its no lock...but like others said...they should easily wear them down with the Oline and Peterson.Better protect Favre better though.

Thank you Sho nuff. An unbelievable and terrible call. Talk about a team that gets kicked while its down. You have the glow, my friend.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I'm avoiding this game in survivor pools, and would not pick the Vikes to cover.

Divisional games like this are often closer than expected -- see the two MNF games from Week 1. Detroit is at home and they are due. The Vikes are quarterbacked by Brett Favre and coached by Brad Childress. Calvin Johnson could torch their secondary.

 

[ScottyFargo]

I'm avoiding this game in survivor pools, and would not pick the Vikes to cover. Divisional games like this are often closer than expected -- see the two MNF games from Week 1. Detroit is at home and they are due. The Vikes are quarterbacked by Brett Favre and coached by Brad Childress. Calvin Johnson could torch their secondary.

They're "due", huh? Is there some kind of a ticker they were running?