Minnesota Vikings Vs. Detroit Lions Preview: Minnesota Looks To Go 2-0

I couldn't be any more impressed with the Vikings victory in week 1 over the Cleveland Browns.

Minnesota, after the first quarter, was dominant throughout the whole contest.

The Browns were clearly no match for the Vikings and their unstoppable run game, led by Adrian Peterson who had 180 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Minnesota won the game 34-20.

As for week 2, Minnesota looks towards playing one of the worst teams in the league today, the Detroit Lions.

Detroit was crushed by the Saints who were led by Drew Brees who had 6 touchdowns through the air.

The Lions have now lost 18 regular season games in a row.

Pathetic, isn't it?

For those of you who expect the Lions to break that streak this week, think again. It's just not going to happen.

Minnesota is on the road once again. This is a positive because most good teams like to play the worst teams when they are on the road. That way, they can play the better teams when they are at home.

What are the keys to victory for both teams?

Vikings keys to victory:


-Use Adrian Peterson as much as possible.

He is clearly the best running back in the game today.Detroit has a terrible defense. Minnesota will be able to run all over them with the combination of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

-Let Brett pass at least 20 times, but no more than 30.

Minnesota cannot afford to wear down Brett's arm early in the season. If they want him to stay healthy, they can't burn him out right away.

-Double-team or triple-team Calvin Johnson whenever possible.

Do not let this guy get open. Calvin is easily the Lions best offensive weapon. Minnesota can't afford to give up the big play to him.

Lions keys to victory:

-Pass the ball as much as possible.

Minnesota doesn't give up anything on the ground. The Lions best bet is to throw to Calvin Johnson very often.

-Contain Adrian Peterson so he can't run for big yards.

If the Lions fail to stop Adrian, it will be a long day for them.

-Try to use home-field advantage if at all possible. This is pretty much the only other key to victory I can think of for the Lions.

Injury Report

Minnesota:

Eriren Henderson, Linebacker, Out
Heath Farwell, Linebacker, Questionable
Anthony Herrera, Guard, Probable
Jim Kleinsasser, Tight End, Probable

Detroit:

Cliff Avril, Defense End, Doubtful
Drew Stanton, Quarterback, Doubtful
Andre Fluellen, Defensive Tackle, Questionable
Eric King, Cornerback, Questionable
Grady Jackson, Defensive Tackle, Questionable
Phillip Buchanon, Cornerback, Probable
Jason Hanson, Kicker, Probable
William James, Cornerback, Probable
Daniel Loper, Offensive Tackle, Probable

Game Predictions

Minnesota:

QB Brett Favre- 17-26, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
RB Adrian Peterson- 26 carries, 207 yards, 2 TD
WR Bernard Berrian- 4 catches, 65 yards
DE Jared Allen- 1 sack, 4 tackles
CB Antoine Winfield- 1 Int, 3 tackles

Detroit:

QB Matthew Stafford- 24-41, 244 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int
RB Kevin Smith- 21 carries, 63 yards
WR Calvin Johnson- 7 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD
LB Julian Peterson- 11 tackles
CB Phillip Buchanon- 1 Int, 4 tackles

Final score: Vikings 31, Lions 10


Minnesota will be able to stop the Lions offense from putting many points on the board. I, expect, Calvin Johnson to have a great game, though.

This game will be on Fox at 1:00 ET