Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Preview, Start Time, TV, Live Stream, Predictions

Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) stiff arms Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

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Offense – Theo Riddick

Riddick had no shortage of hype in the Detroit Lions preseason, and now he’ll get his chance to prove himself with Reggie Bush banged up. The Lions run game hasn’t been very good so far in 2014. They average just 3.1 a carry (t-30th) and gain first downs on just 15.8 percent of rushes (29th). Howver, they have faced two very stout run defenses the last two weeks in the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.

The Vikings run defense has struggled in the absence of linebacker, Chad Greenway. Their defensive unit ranks 17th in YPC allowed (4.3) and 16th in percentage of rushes allowed that earned first downs (20.6 percent).

Look for Detroit to try and establish the run game early.

Defense – Darius Slay

Slay’s match-up with Cordarrelle Patterson will be no small feat. He cannot match the speed of Patterson so he’ll have to be physical at the line of scrimmage if he hopes to slow the speedy, multi-talented wideout down.