Detroit Lions V Minnesota Vikings Live Stream, Keys To Game

The Detroit Lions have lost 19 of their last 21 games in Minnesota.  But now the Vikings play outdoors and with their track record at the Metro Dome that could be an advantage for the Lions.

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The Lions can use all the help they can get to win this one. This is a key game for the 3-2 Detroit Lions who need a in to stay on top of the NFC North. A win will guarantee first place for another week and go along way to shedding the Same Old Lions moniker they have earned in recent season. A loss could would could cause the team to tumble into third place and shatter the confidence of an already insecure fan base.

This game looks much more winnable that it did at the beginning of the season. The Vikings are starting a rookie quarterback and are without the service of stellar running back Adrian Peterson. That is not to say that the Viking are devoid of offensive firepower.  3rd year rusher Matt Asiata had a coming out party against the Falcons when he scored 3 touchdowns in week 4. Asiata has yet to rush for 100 yards this season and the Lions don’t want to be the first to allow that to happen.

Winnable or not the Detroit Lions need this victory if they want to keep control of the NFC North.   If the Detroit Lions want to prove themselves a playoff team these are the types of game they need to win. Here are keys to a Lions victory over the Vikings.

Pound The Rock

Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush are out of the game today for the Lions.  That leaves that task of establishing the run to the trio of Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and George Winn.  Establishing the run will be vital to opening up the passing game with Calvin Johnson not even available for decoy duty today.

The Golden Rule

Everyone knows the Golden Rule. Do unto others as Calvin Johnson would do unto you….or something like that.  That rule applies to Lions wideout Golden Tate who will get another chance to impress as the Detroit Lions #1 receiving option.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

The Detroit Lions defensive front till have a challenge on their hands in trying to contain the versatile Teddy Bridgewater.  The Minnesota Vikings rookie QB can move the chains with his feet and throw the bomb with his arm.  The defensive front will have to apply pressure while keeping containment in order to keep Teddy Ballgame from beating them.