This Vikings team entered the weekend with their 2025 season on the brink of collapse. They were already below .500 and, with the trade deadline looming on Tuesday, who knows what could have happened over the next couple days, had they not found a way to pull out the 27-24 NFC North victory.

JJ McCarthy proves doubters wrong, calms fan anxiety

And the most exciting part: JJ McCarthy was phenomenal. Throw out his underwhelming stat line — 14/25, 143 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT. Because if you watched this game with your eyes, most of the doubt you had about the oft-injured redshirt rookie QB was washed away, and it happened early.

GET YOUR JJ MCCARTHY APOLOGY FORMS READY pic.twitter.com/R1OwDSISqg

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 2, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Still Looking for QB Help at NFL Trade Deadline

I was prepared to wait for JJ McCarthy. I was expecting to see the guy we saw for seven of the eight quarters he played between weeks one and two of the regular season. But that was not the quarterback who took to Ford Field on Sunday in Detroit.

This afternoon, McCarthy looked dialed in and organized from the start. For the most part, he deciphered defenses effectively, moved around in the pocket efficiently and delivered on time, when possible.

JJ McCarthy with the dot for the Vikings win, the Vikes pull off the upset. pic.twitter.com/0DPfW5f6ke

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) November 2, 2025

His accuracy needs work, but the rust of 1.5 missed seasons will likely fall off with time. Overall, the kid performed way above my expectations, especially given the circumstances. After his time out with injury, there’s now an ENORMOUS amount of pressure for JJ McCarthy to stay healthy and perform competently.

And if, like me, his play vs the Lions had you in your feelings today, then just imagine how he felt. Let’s not forget or dismiss the ENDLESS number of questions surrounding our 22-year-old QB, coming into this matchup.

Minnesota Vikings franchise QB emotional after win

So after the win, it’s no surprise that JJ McCarthy was going through a wide range of emotions, as he proceeded through all the postgame festivities privy to the winning QB of a huge game.

First, an amped up McCarthy entered the locker room, after chatting with Tom Brady back on the field, where all of his teammates awaited a jacked up JJ. After that, a still locked-in JJ was awarded the game ball by Kevin O’Connell.

This is the reception from teammates that got J.J. McCarthy emotional while recounting it to reporters afterwards.

pic.twitter.com/EFgC8fkG6D

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 2, 2025

game day JJ McCarthy might be a serial killer pic.twitter.com/fRGqlJsUtQ

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 2, 2025

Related: JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold Didn’t Get Along in Minnesota?

Even if JJ handled it like a veteran, which he clearly did, all of that pressure would weigh on any human. But if that wasn’t enough, the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick had to navigate his seemingly insurmountable professional pressures this week with a sick infant awaiting him back at home.

Then, finally, a reflective JJ met with reporters, where he showed a rare amount of vulnerability and nearly broke down into tears on what today’s successful outing meant to him and the Minnesota Vikings.

#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy got emotional when asked about the reception he got in the locker room after today’s win.

“It was awesome. When you’re hurt, being on IR last year, being out for 5 weeks, it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys, cause I love every… https://t.co/Cm9F65Uz53 pic.twitter.com/2zaZYuVEZ7

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) November 2, 2025

🗣️ LIKE A DOG IN THE STREET pic.twitter.com/6tVMsZuTrr

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 3, 2025

That includes FB CJ Ham, CB Jeff Okudah and TE Josh Oliver. As expected, we didn’t see JJ McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard or Isaiah Rodgers listed on the Vikings final injury report, entering their massive NFC North tilt against the (5-2) Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, meaning all three players are expected to start.

Minnesota Vikings list four players as “questionable” vs Lions

Unfortunately, Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw and Andrew Van Ginkel could not get fully cleared by the medical staff after Friday’s practice. All three were previously listed as “full” or “limited” throughout the week and will go into the weekend “Questionable”, according to the Minnesota Vikings injury report.

And if that wasn’t enough, safety Josh Metellus is dealing with what KOC described as “foot soreness” all of a sudden. He too was added to Friday’s report, in surprise fashion. But before fans start to hyperventilate, make sure to read beyond the below injury table, because that’s not the only context our head coach provided.

While the MN Vikings’ final injury report may have an uncomfortable number of question marks, the head coach seemed a lot more optimistic about the likelihood that all of these “Questionable” Vikings players will be available vs the Motor City Kitties on Sunday afternoon.

Kevin O’Connell expects “questionable” Vikings to play

In fact, KOC told reporters Friday during his regularly-scheduled press conference that he expects all four of them to play. Metellus’ soreness didn’t seem to concern the head coach, who went on to buck the official status of O’Neill, Darrisaw and Van Ginkel, telling media he expects them all to go.

Friday afternoon, an EXTREMELY peppy Kevin O'Connell listed off FOUR Vikings starters as "Questionable" to play Sunday in Detroit.

Then one-by-one, he told reporters that all four will play… pic.twitter.com/sjvl3WE72b

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 31, 2025

KOC: “We’ll have four players questionable, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O’Neill, Josh Metellus… and Christian Darrisaw.. All those guys were either limited or full [at practice] today, based upon a ‘Fast Friday’ workload.”

Reporter: “Was Van Ginkel full?”

KOC: “By my eyes he was, and by the sheet, he was as well. Yeah, he’s had a really good week. I anticipate him playing.”

Reporter: “You’ve been hopeful about Darrisaw and O’Neill during the week, do you still feel that way?”

KOC: “Yeah, yeah. I think CD, with his plan to return, it’s always been about kind of managing the week based on how he’s feeling and getting him as ready to go as we possibly can for Sunday. I know he felt really good today. Obviously, we’ll see how he he shows up tomorrow but we feel really good about those guys right now.”

Kevin O’Connell – Friday press conference (original video via the Minnesota Vikings – Cut by MN Sports Fan)

Related: Brave NFL Expert Picks Vikings Over Lions…

In all honesty, the NFL injury reports bother me and the league needs to figure out how to make them more accurate because, as they are currently regulated, these reports are a complete joke, as outlined by Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell today.

But in the larger picture, pertaining to the chances our favorite football team has as -9.5 point underdogs on the road vs a division rival, KOC’s presser today was extremely good news for the purple. Looks like they will be mostly at full-strength this weekend, and they’ll need it to stand any chance.

That doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat, and it’s not even one ESPN’s Seth Walder is willing to consider. He sees the path for the Vikings to make it happen, and he’s ready to venture down it.

Seth Walder takes MN Vikings because of defense

When the Minnesota Vikings take the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, they’ll do so with J.J. McCarthy back under center. It’s his first appearance since Week 2, and there’s plenty of pressure on his shoulders. ESPN’s Seth Walder is all over Brian Flores having the keys to a victory though.

Goff will record a QBR under 50. Minnesota’s defense hasn’t been the same this season as it was in the recent past. But it is a zone-heavy team, and the Lions have severe man-zone splits, averaging 0.44 EPA per dropback versus man and 0.09 versus zone.

Seth Walder – ESPN

While Walder outlined his bold prediction with Lions quarterback Jared Goff in his sights, he also went on to suggest that Minnesota will emerge victorious to the tune of a 23-21 result. Obviously that’s going against the grain, but the logic is there.

Minnesota remains injured up front of the offensive line, and that’s a problem for J.J. McCarthy and the offense. Defensively though, they will have the full tandem of their edge rushers for the first time in weeks. Andrew Van Ginkel has logged full practices and appears set to return.

In just two games this year, Van Ginkel has racked up a pair of sacks. The pass rush has not exactly been daunting, and this could be the addition that turns the tide. Additional push from the front seven can mask things in the secondary, and with Jeff Okudah in line to miss another game with a concussion, that’s hardly a bad thing.

The Vikings need to keep Detroit’s offense down if they want to win this game. Although Minnesota has firepower on offense of its own, turning this into a track meet probably isn’t the best plan of attack. If O’Connell’s team can win the turnover battle and confuse Goff some, they’ll be in a good spot to snap the losing streak against the division rival.

Allowing McCarthy an opportunity to rub in a result against his former college teammate, Aidan Hutchinson, would be a fun outcome as well.

Of course, championships aren’t won in the offseason (or the Chicago Bears would have many), but without a successful roster building campaign in the spring/summer, winning games in the fall becomes a lot more difficult. So far, so good says NFL writer Mike Jones (The Athletic).

High praise for Minnesota Vikings offseason

In an article posted earlier this week, Jones named the Minnesota Vikings as one of his 2025 NFL offseason winners, praising the work Kwesi did during free agency and the draft.

The NFL insider pointed specifically to the offensive and defensive lines, which Vikings leaders promised were priorities following another underwhelming season in the trenches.

A storybook season featuring an unlikely hero in quarterback Sam Darnold ended in dramatic disappointment, with a loss to the Rams in the wild-card round. Darnold signed with the Seahawks during free agency, but Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still has positioned his team for a prompt rebound — possibly in the form of an NFC North title.

The Vikings invested heavily in the trenches in free agency, signing defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and offensive linemen Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and Justin Skule, while adding veterans at other key positions. The Vikings also used early draft picks on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, after missing his rookie season with a torn meniscus, finds himself surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast as he prepares to take over as starter.

Mike Jones – The Athletic

In calling the Minnesota Vikings “winners” Jones quickly noted just how much work was done up front. Both sides of the ball needed help in the trenches, and Adofo-Mensah targeted that in a big way. Of course the Vikings will need those players to remain healthy, but there’s a ton of talent if they do so.

Similar to Darnold last season, J.J. McCarthy will be surrounded by arguably the best situation across the entire league. He has elite offensive weapons and now has protection that even Darnold didn’t have the benefit of.

Last season saw the MN Vikings put together a very solid year, but still trail the Detroit Lions within the division. It’s not clear the result will be the same this time around, and it’s Minnesota whose arrow is pointing up.

Lions losing ground in NFC North to MN Vikings?

While Jones was quick to point out just how good of an offseason that the Minnesota Vikings had, he also weighed in on the reigning NFC North champions. Jones dubbed the Lions “losers” and laid out fair reasons why.

“Having the NFC’s best regular-season record (15-2) came at a price for the Lions. This offseason, coach Dan Campbell lost both of his top assistants. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for the head coaching job in Chicago, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the head coaching job with the Jets. Campbell brought offensive coordinator John Morton in from Denver, where he coached under Campbell’s former mentor Sean Payton, and he promoted former Glenn assistant Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Both units appear likely to endure some growing pains under the new play callers, and in a competitive NFC North, setbacks of any kind could prove costly.”

Mike Jones – The Athletic

Of course you’re the champion until someone knocks you off, and that doesn’t happen in the offseason either. There is always significant turnover in the NFL and the Detroit Lions experienced that most in the coaching realm.

Related: Former MN Vikings Cornerback No Longer an Option for 2025

Dan Campbell will now need to prove he isn’t a byproduct of the assistants he had to support him. With new faces in key roles, the Lions will look to repeat atop the NFC North. That won’t be easy with both Minnesota and Chicago having taken clear steps forward.

The North could be one of the most intriguing divisions across the entire league in 2025.

But two “away” games our purple will travel for this season have already been announced. In weeks four and five, the Vikings will play overseas vs two AFC North foes, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

This morning, however, we got some more reported insight into the 2025 slate of Minnesota Vikings regular season games. While the double-dip internationally had half the fanbase up in arms, this one is sure to reunite them in celebration.

Minnesota Vikings hosting 2025 Christmas Day game

On Christmas Day, while Vikings fans around the world are sitting down to eat, or open presents or just get away from certain family members, their team will be there for them, either in their living rooms… or even in-person, should you choose to celebrate at U.S. Bank Stadium.

According to Jordan Schultz (FOX Sports), the week 17 contest will take place in Minneapolis and it will be broadcast exclusively by Netflix. Even better: Minnesota’s Xmas Day road opponent… will be the NFC North rival Detroit Lions.

Sources: The #Vikings will host NFC North rival #Lions on Christmas Day, December 25, in Week 17, in a game that will be on Netflix. 🎄🏈 pic.twitter.com/H6BrYyLCzJ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 14, 2025

The NFL can’t be held down and this is another example of why. They tend to make smart decisions, like this one. Putting the Minnesota Vikings up against the Detroit Lions in the second to last week of the 2025 regular season should have all sorts of playoff implications tied to it.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Two More Rookies

Not only that, but this late-season contest comes on the heels of a 2024 season where the 15-2 Lions bullied the 14-3 Vikings, accounting for two of their three losses, forcing them to play on Wild Card weekend during the second best regular season in franchise history.

So far, there have been other schedule release leaks that are more rumor than report, at this point. When those become more official, we will have them for you here at MinnesotaSportsFan.com.

It’s possible that the 2025 version of the Lions look similar to the 15-win team from 2024, at least on the field. If they are lucky, the future Detroit Lions will have more luck in the injury department. But that will not be the case with the 2025 Lions coaching staff.

Minnesota Vikings will prepare for a new Lions staff

Just one week after their 2024-25 playoff run ended, the Detroit Lions have seen a mass exodus of top coaching talent. Both of Campbell’s top assistants, (OC) Ben Johnson and (DC) Aaron Glenn have left for head coaching jobs in Chicago and New York, respectively. But the Lions have also lost DL coach Terrell Williams and could still lose OL coach Hank Fraley.

This is certainly a lot for Campbell to navigate. He is coming off a second successful season as the leader of the Lions. Last season the Lions made a trip to the NFC Championship. Detroit lost to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in the divisional round this season.

Related: Vikings Finally Get Kevin O’Connell Contract Extension Done; Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Up Next

If Vikings leader Kevin O’Connell wasn’t going to win the Coach of the Year award, then Dan Campbell probably would have. Next season we’ll find out how much of the Detroit Lions success in 2024 was due to his coaching or that of the coaches around him.

Detroit has not experienced this level of success, maybe ever, and Campbell finding a way to sustain it is a must. There’s no denying that his leadership has worked wonders. It remains to be seen what tangible impact he has had between the lines.

Ultimately the Vikings and Lions will both be looking to substantiate their results this season in the year ahead. Continuity is something that Minnesota will experience. The exact opposite is what Detroit is in for.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Under-the-Radar Assistant Lands Another OC Interview

It will be a wait and see game to determine where Campbell backfills all of these roles. If he gets the hires right, maybe Detroit avoids the doldrums once again.

Failing to complete the mission in Detroit was bad enough. After all, it was only the most important regular season game in either organization’s history. But losing is worse when it happens at what has apparently become the Philadelphia of the NFC North.

Minnesota Vikings wives appalled by behavior of Detroit Lions fans

That’s right. Two nice seasons for the Kitties has quickly gone to the heads of their fans, and not in a good way. After the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Lions on Sunday, multiple wives of Vikings players took to social media to describe how brutally they were treated by Lions fans at Ford Field.

Andrew Van Ginkel’s wife said it was the worst she has ever experienced. Dalton Risner’s wife said she was inappropriately touched and heckled. Oh, and the same fans whose team has been decimated by injuries this season… are begging the football gods for the same thing on opposing teams.

“I’ve honestly never been treated so poorly by another team’s fan base as I was on Sunday… the other 13 girls said the same thing”

— Sam Van Ginkel (@Sam_VanGinkel) January 7, 2025

AWFUL: Vikings OL Dalton Risner’s wife said she was “TOUCHED” by Lions fans and heckled throughout last night’s game.

LB Blake Cashman’s girlfriend claimed Detroit fans were “wishing injuries on opposing players.”

Minnesota fans were allegedly harassed all night. Just awful. pic.twitter.com/ZwTngR2hFO

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 7, 2025

It’s sad to see such a small sliver of success reveal the true Lions fan, behind those brown paper bags. We’ve never written an article about Vikings’ wives complaining about how they were treated at a road stadium. Who would have thought that our first time would be in reference, not to Philly fans or New York fans… but Detroit fans.

Related: Slumping Kicker a Concern for Vikings Says Insider

Of course, creating a good home field advantage is important in the NFL. We know all about that, as Minnesota Vikings fans who use US Bank Stadium to rattle visiting teams. But the goal is to create a hostile environment for the other team… but not for their family members.

Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised, though. We are talking about a fanbase that has been openly celebrated player injuries since head coach Dan Campbell arrived on the scene.

Vikings vs Lions Part III…?

This may not be the last time Lions fans play host to the Minnesota Vikings, before the 2024-25 season/postseason is complete. It’s very possible these two teams meet again, for a third time this season, and it could happen as soon as the divisional round.

If the NFC wildcard round plays out the way it is seeded, except the No. 5 seed Vikings “upset” the No. 4 seed Rams, then Minnesota would be the lowest remaining seed, going into the divisional round. As the No. 1 seed, the Lions will play the lowest remaining seed in round two, after they enjoy a bye in the wildcard round.

All they had to do was win on Sunday night. But that’s often a task that is easier talked about than completed, especially against the Lions. Unlike Minnesota, Detroit was crowned as the NFC North victor by just about every pundit on the planet. And they have performed as advertised, even with half of their roster missing with injuries.

Entering this 2024 regular season finale, though, no team in the NFL was hotter than the Minnesota Vikings. As long as Sam Darnold was able to handle the pressure of a moment bigger than anything he has been apart of in his football career… how would a depleted Detroit Lions team keep up, right?

What We Learned – Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions (Week 18)

Then, as often happens… the game started. And instead of a shootout between two of the highest powered offenses in the league, we got a defensive slugfest for the first three quarters, in a game the Vikings failed to score a touchdown in.

No, the Detroit Lions defense wasn’t THAT dominant. Instead, tonight’s scoring issues were very much due to the Minnesota Vikings’ own ineptitude and a failure to take advantage of key opportunities. So, here is what we learned in a 31-9 beatdown at the hands of the Detroit Lions.

Sam Darnold couldn’t handle the pressure of the moment

It’s been an incredible season for Sam Darnold. there is no denying that. We’re talking about a dude that everybody had written off, entering 2024, and he finished the year as a top 5 MVP candidate, throwing for 4,300 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.

He was a baller and next season, the USC alum will be rewarded with a contract in the range of $35-$45 million per season. But tonight, Sam was anything but spectacular. It started early. The 27-year-old red rifle looked shaky, overthrowing receivers left and right, including Justin Jefferson on multiple touchdown opportunities.

Then, there were moments like this when Darnold just didn’t throw to wide open receivers, like this pick slant designed for Jordan Addison. It was a great play and Addison had a walk in touchdown… had Darnold thrown it.

Sam Darnold doesn’t throw to a wide open Jordan Addison

This was designed for Addison all the way. Nailor took his defender out the play… Darnold just didn’t throw it

This is very very bad pic.twitter.com/SfYMDo4ffT

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) January 6, 2025

Sam Darnold has looked AWFUL so far today…pic.twitter.com/akRw1EL2hi

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 6, 2025

Sure, the Minnesota Vikings offensive line struggled to keep the pocket clean for much of tonight’s contest. But had Sam Darnold hit on some of these routine throws, the Vikings would have jumped out to an early lead and this game would have looked a lot different.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Trade Rumors…? Multiple Teams Interested in Minnesota Vikings Head Coach

Instead, he missed them… a lot of them. And in the end, this was one of Sam Darnold’s worst performances of 2024, both on paper and via the eye test. On the night, Darnold went 18-of-41 (44%) for just 166 yards, 0 touchdowns and a QB rating of 55.5.

And that led to the biggest blowout loss of the season, a 31-9 beatdown that now sets the Minnesota Vikings up for a Wildcard road game next weekend against the LA Rams, the only other team (and location) that the Vikings have lost against.

Kevin O’Connell couldn’t handle the moment

I don’t think this should make Sam Darnold feel any better, but he wasn’t the only guy who crumbled under the pressure tonight. His head coach Kevin O’Connell rode the struggle bus too. The Minnesota Vikings turned the ball over on downs twice inside the 5-yard-line tonight, leaving an easy 6 points off the board.

Then, with a kicker who clearly isn’t feeling right, O’Connell decided to kick a field goal from 51 yards out, on 4th and 3. It landed in the right corner of the endzone. The Lions then got the ball at their own 41 yard line, where they proceeded to drive 59 yards and the second of Jahmyr Gibbs’ four rushing touchdowns. He added 23 carries and 139 yards, too.

ERRRROU!

Will Reichard erra o FG de 51 jardas.

📺 Assista Vikings x Lions ao vivo na @ESPNBrasil pic.twitter.com/ORKgkj2WJq

— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) January 6, 2025

We’ll see if tonight’s blowout loss changes anything with what appeared to be an NFL Coach of the Year lock, for Kevin O’Connell. But in week 18, our head coach showed an inability to adapt to his game day surroundings.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Week 18 Practice Squad Elevations Curiously Elude New QB…

He didn’t realize his quarterback had a case of the yips until it was too late, and then he trusted his kicker when he shouldn’t have. If KOC makes better decisions in those moments vs the Lions, Sunday night would have looked a lot different.

Minnesota Vikings refused to seize opportunities vs Detroit Lions

At the end of the day, we can’t blame Sunday’s loss on only Sam Darnold and/or Kevin O’Connell. They played a huge part in the Minnesota Vikings week 18 downfall, for sure, but this loss was about the Vikings inability to seize the moment.

Any time they were presented with an opportunity to take hold of the game or climb their way back into it, Sam missed a wide open receiver or Andrew Van Ginkel dropped a pick-6 interception that wasn’t necessarily easy… but undoubtedly was right there in his hands.

.@nyjets fans had London Games flashbacks with this one!

Andrew Van Ginkel ALMOST had the pick 6 🤏 pic.twitter.com/1VS7fBov1M

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) January 6, 2025

It was like we were watching the early season 2023 Vikings all over again, when no matter how well they played, they couldn’t stop turning the ball over. Different problem, same type of feeling. That in the most crucial moments, things were always going to go wrong. That is not a feeling we have dealt with a lot during 2024.

Both the Vikings and Lions have dealt with major injuries throughout the course of this season. Minnesota went without TE TJ Hockenson, LB Blake Cashman and WR Jordan Addison, at different points during the season. They also lost blossoming left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, to a season-ending knee injury back in week 8.

But the Vikings injury problems pale in comparison to what the Detroit Lions have dealt with. On the defensive line, they’ve lost DE Aidan Hutchinson, (broken leg), DT Alim McNeill (ACL), Kyle Peko (pectoral), DE Marcus Davenport (triceps), DT Mekhi Wingo (knee), DE Nate Lynn (shoulder) and DT David Bada (Achilles) for the rest of 2024-25. Again, that’s just on the defensive line…

Detroit Lions getting healthier vs Minnesota Vikings

In week 18, though, it appears the Detroit Lions are finally getting healthier. On Saturday, they activated WR Kalif Raymond (foot) and LB Alex Anzalone (broken arm), neither of which has played since November.

#Lions announce roster moves:

Placed CB Emmanuel Moseley on Reserve/Non-Football Illness list.

Activated WR Kalif Raymond and LB Alex Anzalone from Reserved/Injured.

Signed DB Morice Norris to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad.

Signed WR Tom Kennedy to the Practice…

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 4, 2025

How big is this for the Lions? No doubt there is a sigh of relief to have Anzalone back on defense. As you may have noticed above, Detroit has been playing with a replacement crew on defense, for most of the 2nd half of this season.

If nothing else, Anzalone should improve the Lions middle-of-the-field defense against the pass (think Blake Cashman for the Vikings), and help corral Minnesota Vikings running backs in a way Detroit hasn’t been able to for over a month.

What are Lions getting back with Alex Anzalone and Kalif Raymond?

In 9 games this season, Alex Anzalone has 56 tackles and 4 passes defended, to go alone with one sack. But the last two seasons (2022, 2023), he combined for 254 tackles, 12 passes defended and 4.5 sacks. In 2023, Anzalone’s 129 tackles was the most on the Lions defense by 34 tackles. The closest to him was Jack Campbell, who had 95 tackles last season.

Related: Vikings Eat Into Lions Home Field Advantage by Purchasing $2 Million Worth of Tickets at Ford Field…

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond has 204 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns (16 receptions). He is not a starter, but did catch 95 passes for 1193 yards between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The winner will also receive the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff bracket, which includes home field advantage through the NFC Championship Game and the only first round bye awarded to the conference. Meanwhile, the loser on Sunday night will have arguably their best regular season in franchise history reduced to a No. 5 seed and a first round road game in either Tampa Bay or Atlanta.

Much will be made about all of the storylines, leading into this epic finale. But at the end of the day, the game will be decided by the players on the field. Those players included Lions rookie CB Terrion Arnold, who will be one of the Detroit defensive backs tasked with stopping arguably the most powerful passing attack in the league.

Terrion Arnold talking smack to Minnesota Vikings wide receivers?

If a banged up Lions team is going to take home victory on Sunday, their secondary will have to find a way to slow Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson, something that proves more and more difficult as the season goes on.

Does that make the 21-year-old rookie CB out of Alabama nervous? Apparently not. In an interview on Wednesday (via the Detroit Free Press), Arnold told reporters that the Lions are a bad matchup for the Vikings because, while Minnesota’s “got good receivers”… the Lions “got cover guys”.

“We’re a bad matchup for Minnesota. They got good receivers, but we got cover guys.”

Terrion Arnold – Detroit Lions Cornerback

Sometimes, you have to wonder what is going through a person’s mind when they let things like this fall out of their mouths. All it takes is a quick peek at the defensive team statistics page at Pro Football Reference to see that the Detroit Lions may not have the “cover guys” Arnold thinks they do.

Are the Detroit Lions defensive backs even good?

The 2024 Lions have allowed the 2nd most passing yards in the NFL to opposing quarterbacks, at 250.4 yards per game. They also have the 6th highest Net Yards Allowed per Completion, at 6.6 yards. Teams pass on them for first downs high rate, too.

To Detroit’s credit, they rank tied for 2nd in passing touchdowns allowed, at just 18. They also have the 3rd most interceptions this season (16), behind only the Houston Texans (19) and our beloved Minnesota Vikings (22). Even so, these aren’t the overall defensive numbers that teams are striving for and bragging about on a yearly basis.

The Vikings have won nine games straight. The Lions had won eleven straight games, before falling to Buffalo in week 15, before rebounding with victories over the Bears and Niners. Minnesota was supposed to finish last, with an over/under preseason win total of just 6.5 games. Detroit is the defending NFC North champion and picked in the preseason to win the division.

Vikings Trade Rumors: Other NFL Teams are “100%” Coming for JJ McCarthy This Offseason

But none of that will matter at 7:20 PM CST on Sunday, when this game kicks off. At that point, the entire 2024 season will come down to Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions. Two coach of the year candidates will do battle, along with the 22 players on the field.