The Detroit Lions are kicking back during their bye week with a strong 5-2 record after taking care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. But once the break is over, their push toward an NFC title will resume in Week 9 — when they host the Minnesota Vikings, a team that suddenly looks like far less of a threat.
When the season schedule was released, this matchup had “must-watch” potential. Now, after Minnesota’s embarrassing 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, it looks more like a soft landing for Detroit than a true test.
Lions Have Chance to Deliver Knockout Blow to Vikings’ Season
Not long ago, the Vikings were one of Detroit’s toughest divisional challengers. Their last meeting — a 31-9 Lions victory in Week 18 last season — decided both the NFC North crown and the No. 1 playoff seed. But Thursday’s meltdown proved this is not the same Minnesota team.
The Vikings made a risky offseason bet, letting Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk in free agency and placing all their faith in rookie J.J. McCarthy, even turning away interest from Aaron Rodgers. McCarthy’s development has been derailed by an ankle injury — or what some insiders suspect is a quiet benching — leaving the offense in limbo. The Lions may end up facing either an untested McCarthy or a banged-up Carson Wentz, who labored through Thursday’s loss with a sore shoulder.
Minnesota’s offensive line issues only deepen the mess. Christian Darrisaw exited after just nine snaps, while Brian O’Neill (knee) and Ryan Kelly (concussion) were sidelined. The patchwork unit gave up pressure on over half of Wentz’s dropbacks (53.1%), per Pro Football Focus, and paved the way for a dismal 34 rushing yards on 3.09 yards per carry.
The defense, once a strength, isn’t holding up either. The Chargers torched the Vikings for 227 passing yards and three touchdowns, while running back Kimani Vidal racked up 117 yards and a score as part of a 207-yard rushing day. It marked Minnesota’s second game this season surrendering 200+ on the ground.
Lions Match Up Perfectly Against Vikings’ Weaknesses
All signs point toward a big Lions performance in Week 9. Detroit’s defense has been dominant, holding Baker Mayfield to just 228 passing yards and the Buccaneers to nine points before the bye. They rank 10th in the NFL in pressure rate (23.6%) and could be getting Terrion Arnold back from a shoulder injury, while Alim McNeill continues to regain form after last year’s ACL tear.
Offensively, this is a dream matchup for Detroit. The Lions boast a top-five rushing attack (133.7 yards per game) led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jared Goff leads the league with a 118.0 passer rating.
With Minnesota limping into Ford Field, Detroit has a prime opportunity to pile on. A convincing win would not only keep pace with the division-leading Packers but also deliver a satisfying blow to a rival that once stood as their greatest obstacle. For Lions fans, seeing the Vikings unravel after years of close battles would be the sweetest part of all.
