Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 3 Halftime Observations for the Vikings

A lot of the hoopla that has surrounded this NFC North matchup is the fact that Lions were favored at the Metrodome for the first time in about 30 years. You think the Vikings were okay with that?

Minnesota has a dominating 20-0 lead so far, but the Vikings have been using big plays to take down the Lions piece by piece. Let's take a look at some keys to the Vikings keeping their lead. 

1. No Stupid Mistakes

McNabb has been playing the role of the quintessential veteran QB today. He's been an excellent game manager thus far and needs to keep that going in order to pad the Vikes' lead. 

2. Ground, Pound, Repeat

Adrian Peterson is the best player on the field and the Lions know it. That doesn't mean they can stop it though. AP has broken off long runs already and his red zone touchdown was exactly what the Vikings needed. The Vikings' offense may not put up monster numbers, but as long as they keep putting the ball in No. 28's gut they should be fine.

3. Send Stafford Back to Earth

The Lions' offense has been a huge storyline during the first two weeks of the regular season. Many pundits have already anointed Matthew Stafford as the next big thing. The Vikings need to show that those reports were way to early for the young QB and send him crashing back down to earth. Jared Allen and Co. need to be relentless in getting to Stafford.