NFL Week 2 Preview | Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Matt and Zac Snyder of Bleacher Report and mittensportsreport.com break down this week's Detroit Lions football match-up.

When the Lions have the ball...

Detroit's passing attack vs. Minnesota's defensive backs

Zac says: Brady Quinn managed to throw for over 200 yards with a nice completion percentage against the Vikings secondary last week. If Matthew Stafford can avoid interception, he may have an opportunity to find some success. The offense will be aided by a home crowd eager to see their No. 1 overall draft pick succeed.

Calvin Johnson always has the potential for a huge day, but will need help from the other receivers to avoid being double-teamed. The young offense may still struggle at times, especially through the air. Advantage: Even

Matt says: Calvin Johnson creates an advantage just by being on the field—he has the ability to get to the end zone any time he touches the ball.

Matthew Stafford needs to understand that his strong arm can't squeeze the ball into coverage—he needs to use his powers for good, not evil. Rookies are allowed to make mistakes, but they must learn from them and show improvement each week. The Detroit offensive line must keep Jared Allen from getting to Stafford, or the rookie will continue to throw interceptions (and take a beating). Advantage: Lions


Detroit's running game vs. Minnesota's front seven

Zac says: Kevin Smith averaged a disappointing 1.3 yard per carry against the Saints. That will need to pick up for the Lions to have success offensively. Kevin and Pat Williams present the most formidable defensive tackle tandem in the league, a huge test for the interior of any offensive line. I figure the Lions can muster a few bright spots in the running game, but not enough. Advantage: Vikings

Matt says: I expected a lot more from the Lions' running game last week against the Saints defense. It will be difficult to improve much this week against an even better Minnesota defense. Advantage: Vikings


When the Vikings have the ball...

Minnesota's passing attack vs. Detroit's defensive backs

Zac says: As long as Adrian Peterson is running the ball for the Vikings, their air attack will be nothing but a change of pace to keep defenses honest. Brett Favre attempted just 21 passes for 110 yards in week 1. Philip Buchanon will be back in the line-up to help bolster the Detroit secondary. Percy Harvin has big play potential and will need to be kept in check. I can't call a clear advantage in this match-up because the Vikings won't need to test the Lions through the air. Advantage: Even

Matt says: While it's true that the Vikings will not need to rely on the passing game to win, they'll still be able to have success through the air. Brett Favre is no stranger to the Detroit Lions, and unfortunately, the secondary did not improve while he was away from the division. Advantage: Vikings

Minnesota's running game vs. Detroit's front seven

Zac says: The Lions continue to lack depth and talent on the defensive line. The strong linebacker corps will not be able to have kind of impact they are capable of until the D-line can hold their own. Adrian Peterson's 180 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns may be duplicated in Week Two. Advantage: Vikings

Matt says: Adrian Peterson is really, really good. The Lions run defense is really, really bad. Advantage: Vikings


Bottom line...

Zac says: I can't find the courage to pick the Lions to win until they show they can. The only way the Lions pull this one out is if Adrian Peterson catches another case of fumblitis and Brett Favre throws a couple of his wild throws right at the Lions. As long as Favre is content to be a "manage the game" type of quarterback and plays within his aged abilities, the Vikings have nothing to fear. Minnesota 28, Detroit 21

Matt says: I'm a homer, but even I can't take the Lions in this contest. Too much Adrian Peterson, and not enough run defense, will ultimately do the Lions in. At this point, expectations are still low for the Lions, and I'll simply take some steady improvement. Minnesota 34, Detroit 20