NFL Week 3: 5 Reasons the Detroit Lions Will Defeat the Minnesota Vikings

The Detroit Lions are 2-0 for the first time since 2007, and the city of Detroit is beyond excited after the Lions' 48-3 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.

Now the team's attention must turn to their Week 3 match-up against the winless Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings struggled against San Diego and Tampa Bay, but they still have great weapons in Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen.

Detroit will certainly not have an easy time with their NFC North rivals, but they will prevail and move their record to 3-0.

Lets look at the top five reasons the Lions will win on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings Love Penalties

The Minnesota Vikings have already accumulated 17 penalties for 143 yards in two games.

Detroit was similarly bad in their first week with eight penalties, but in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs they committed only four.

Minnesota will need similar week to week improvement in order to win against Detroit.

The Vikings cannot compete with the Lions (or any other team) if they keep inflicting damage on themselves through penalties.

Detroit has already shown the ability to dominate time of possession this season and if Minnesota continues making mistakes, they will only help Detroit's cause.

Detroit Lions Mojo

Yes, I just used the word "mojo."

It is something that can influence a game greatly yet never appears in the box score.

The Lions have won two consecutive games, and the Vikings have lost their first two. Therefore, the Lions will come into this game exuding confidence.

This is not to say they will be cocky, but rather they will know when they execute in all facets of the game that they can succeed and dominate the opposition.

Minnesota will have to face just the opposite mental hurdle. They have been in two games decided by a touchdown or less and have not found a way to win.

That can weigh heavily on a football team and if this game is close in the fourth quarter, it is apparent who will have the upper hand.

Minnesota Vikings Passing Game

Through two games, Donovan McNabb has thrown for a mere 267 yards total. This kind of production is anemic to say the least.

In order for Minnesota to finally find success through the air, they will need to take advantage of Detroit's average secondary. However, it is unlikely they will have a chance to do so.

Detroit's defensive line will not give up much rushing yardage on first and second down (even to Adrian Peterson). This will force McNabb into many third and long scenarios.

Even an average secondary can dominate when they do not have to worry about play action or short routes.

For a Vikings team that has converted just nine of 22 third down plays through two games, having to consistently attempt deep routes does not seem like the best way to jump-start the passing attack.

The Matt Stafford-Calvin Johnson Combination

The Vikings have surrendered 578 yards passing between the Chargers and Buccaneers so far this season, which is only 24th best in the NFL.

Is there any reason to believe they will be able to slow down the Lions' aerial assault?

Matthew Stafford has already thrown for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. His QB rating stands at an impressive 112. Calvin Johnson has only nine catches and yet he already has four touchdowns.

The Vikings are in for a long day if Detroit's offense continues to play at such a high level.

The Detroit Lions Can Stop Adrian Peterson

The one thing that has worked for Minnesota this season has been their rushing attack. Adrian Peterson has rushed for 98 and 120 yards respectively in the first two games.

Now, however, he faces the premier defensive line in the entire NFL.

If Minnesota was capable of beating teams through the air, maybe Peterson would be able to find some running lanes against Detroit instead of having to work for every yard.

As it stands now, the Vikings have a terrible passing offense and Detroit will exploit that by loading up in the box. The front four for the Lions do not need any favors, but Minnesota's inability to throw the ball provides just that.

If any defensive unit is capable of slowing down Adrian Peterson, it is this one.