Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: 10/10/21 NFL Picks and Predictions

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings face off on Sunday in a Week 5 NFL showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium. When these two teams faced off in January, the Vikings won 27-25.

The Lions have gotten out to a terrible start to the season, losing each of their first four games. In the last game against the Chicago Bears, the offense could only manage 14 points, and that led to the 10 point defeat. The Lions are averaging 20.2 points per game while the defense is giving up 29.7 points per game. The last two games the defense has been a little better, but they have another tough test on their hands. Under center for the Lions is Jared Goff and he has thrown for 1,110 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jamal Williams and D”Andre Swift are a 1-2 punch in the backfield, and both have rushed for at least 139 yards. Tight end T.J. Hockenson has 22 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell are all expected to miss this game. 

On the other side of this matchup is the Minnesota Vikings who have been quite the disappointment this year sitting with a 1-3 record. The offensive line in the last game gave Kirk Cousins no time, and he struggled. When Cousins has had a clean pocket he has looked good, but teams that have gotten into the backfield, have given him issues. The Vikings one win this season was over the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings are averaging 23.6 points per game while the defense is giving up 23 points per game. On the season, Cousins has thrown for 1,121 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception. Dalvin Cook hasn’t practiced this week, but he is expected to play in this game. I would also expect Alexander Mattison to also have a bigger role. On defense, the Vikings expect Anthony Barr to play, and that will be a big boost to the linebackers.