Looking For Redemption: Minnesota Vs. Detroit

It's been a busy week in Minnesota. Two pro bowl defensive lineman being Kevin and Pat Williams could be suspended for a diuretic that is a cover-up for steroids. The two appealed the suspension which was denied by the league. They later went to the supreme court to get the suspensions blocked. For now that is the case. The two could play in Sunday's game but it's 50-50 right now.

On a good note the Vikings were victorious 34-14 over the Chicago Bears. Adrian Peterson rushed for 131 yards on 28 carries. Adrian is currently first in rushing yards in the league. Gus Frerotte completed 16 of 25 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown. Jared Allen also recorded a career-high three sacks.

As for Minnesota's 0-12 opponent the Detroit Lions well.. They were beaten up badly by the Titans. 47-10 was the final score that left Lions fans getting out the brown paper bags. Detroit could easily by the first team ever to finish the regular season 0-16.


Injury Report:
Min:
TE- Garret Mills, Questionable
T- Bryant McKinnie, Questionable
T- Artis Hicks, Questionable
DE- Brian Robison, Doubtful
DE- Jared Allen, Probable
DT- Letroy Guion, Questionable
DT- Kevin Williams, Questionable (not injury related)
DT- Pat Williams, Questionable (not injury related)
S- Madieu Williams, Questionable
S- Darren Sharper, Questionable

Det:
QB- Drew Stanton, Questionable
RB- Kevin Smith, Questionable
WR- Mike Furrey, Injured Reserve
WR- Shaun McDonald, Questionable
G- Stephen Peterman, Probable
DE- Dewayne White, Questionable
DT- Chuck Darby, Questionable
DT- Cory Redding, Probable
LB- Alex Lewis, Questionable
CB- Keith Smith, Probable


Without the Williamses Minnesota could struggle stopping the run. Minnesota signed former first round pick Jimmy Kennedy a few days ago. They also picked up former Denver Bronco Roderick Rogers. Letroy Guion and Ellis Wyms will likely start if neither Pat or Kevin can play. Detroit is banged up at receiver which causes them to sign Bronco and Seahawk reject Keary Colbert. The Lions D-line is also a bit hurt but nothing major.


Game Predictions:
Min:
QB- Gus Frerotte- 18-30, 247 yards, 2 td, 2 int
RB- Adrian Peterson- 25 carries, 148 yards, 2 td
WR- Bernard Berrian- 7 catches, 123 yards, 1 td
DE- Jared Allen- 2 sacks, 6 tackles
LB- Chad Greenway- 14 tackles
CB- Cedric Griffin- 5 tackles, 1 int, return touchdown

Det:
QB- Daunte Culpepper- 20-35, 255 yards, 1 td, 3 int
RB- Kevin Smith- 17 carries, 56 yards, 1 td
WR- Calvin Johnson- 8 catches, 137 yards, 1 td
LB- Paris Lenon- 9 tackles
LB- Ernie Sims- 13 tackles
CB- Leigh Bodden- 3 tackles, 1 int

Final Score:  Minnesota 38  Detroit 17

It's going to be exciting to see Daunte Culpepper face off against his former team. Detroit won't be as fateful as they were the last team to only lose by two points. Minnesota needs this win and they want this win. The Vikings are finally getting things going and look like a collective unit. Adrian Peterson will see a lot of work on the ground and possibly through the air. Don't underestimate the Lions though because I mean they only lost to the Titans by 37.