Tom
16 September 2009, 07:50 PM
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http://tomhq.net/pick/gc.png (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009092001/2009/REG2/vikings@lions#tab:analyze)
GAME TIME
Sunday, September 16
1:00PM EST
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/c_johnson_070916_QT.jpg
Last meeting
Tarvaris Jackson came off the bench in relief of Gus Frerotte and led the Vikings to a 20-16 win over the Lions in Week 14.
Streaks
Minnesota has won 13 of the past 14 matchups and owns a huge 63-30-2 overall series edge.
Last week
Adrian Peterson got loose for 180 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Vikings past the host Browns, 34-20. ... The Lions were unable to defend against Drew Brees and the Saints in a 45-27 road loss to start the year.
Keep your eye on ...
Jim Schwartz's defensive adjustments: Detroit began the season with the unenviable task of facing the Saints, who have one of the league's best offenses. The Lions' defense was not up to the challenge. The assignment doesn't get much easier against Peterson and the Vikings. Schwartz, the Lions' rookie head coach, made his name on defense, and if that unit does not improve dramatically vs. Minnesota, it could be tough for Detroit's young offense to overcome.
Detroit's confidence: The Lions' best chance to get a win last year came against the Vikings (they lost twice to Minnesota by a combined six points). Calvin Johnson led Detroit in those two games with a total of 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Lions should feel confident based on last year's results and with Johnson leading the way, the team might have the belief and playmaking necessary to pull off the upset.
Brett Favre's discipline: Throughout his career, Favre has been known as a quarterback that thrives on being fearless. In Minnesota, however, Favre is focusing more on managing the game and limiting his mistakes. He did a good job of that in Week 1 against Cleveland, but will he be able to avoid the temptation of playing his customary risky style for the second straight game?
Did you know?
Favre will pass former Vikings great Jim Marshall and move into first on the all-time consecutive start streak with his 271st this Sunday. ... Minnesota DE Jared Allen has 57.5 sacks since 2004, the most in the NFL. ... Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in his NFL debut last week. ... Cliff Avril has a sack in four of his past six games at home.
DO NOT POST IN HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT POSTED IN THE APPLICATION THREAD
DO NOT POST IN HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT POSTED IN THE APPLICATION THREAD
http://tomhq.net/pick/gc.png (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009092001/2009/REG2/vikings@lions#tab:analyze)
GAME TIME
Sunday, September 16
1:00PM EST
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/c_johnson_070916_QT.jpg
Last meeting
Tarvaris Jackson came off the bench in relief of Gus Frerotte and led the Vikings to a 20-16 win over the Lions in Week 14.
Streaks
Minnesota has won 13 of the past 14 matchups and owns a huge 63-30-2 overall series edge.
Last week
Adrian Peterson got loose for 180 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Vikings past the host Browns, 34-20. ... The Lions were unable to defend against Drew Brees and the Saints in a 45-27 road loss to start the year.
Keep your eye on ...
Jim Schwartz's defensive adjustments: Detroit began the season with the unenviable task of facing the Saints, who have one of the league's best offenses. The Lions' defense was not up to the challenge. The assignment doesn't get much easier against Peterson and the Vikings. Schwartz, the Lions' rookie head coach, made his name on defense, and if that unit does not improve dramatically vs. Minnesota, it could be tough for Detroit's young offense to overcome.
Detroit's confidence: The Lions' best chance to get a win last year came against the Vikings (they lost twice to Minnesota by a combined six points). Calvin Johnson led Detroit in those two games with a total of 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Lions should feel confident based on last year's results and with Johnson leading the way, the team might have the belief and playmaking necessary to pull off the upset.
Brett Favre's discipline: Throughout his career, Favre has been known as a quarterback that thrives on being fearless. In Minnesota, however, Favre is focusing more on managing the game and limiting his mistakes. He did a good job of that in Week 1 against Cleveland, but will he be able to avoid the temptation of playing his customary risky style for the second straight game?
Did you know?
Favre will pass former Vikings great Jim Marshall and move into first on the all-time consecutive start streak with his 271st this Sunday. ... Minnesota DE Jared Allen has 57.5 sacks since 2004, the most in the NFL. ... Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in his NFL debut last week. ... Cliff Avril has a sack in four of his past six games at home.