Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: What to watch for in week 4

The Detroit Lions have their first matchup against an NFC North rival in the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s look at some key things to focus on for the game.

After a heartbreaking (and confusing) end to last week’s game, the Detroit Lions get another tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Playing in Minnesota has given the Lions trouble in years past, but recently things have been in their favor.

So let’s look at some things to key in on as the Lions have their first game against a division rival this season.

1. Will Case Keenum strike again?

Case Keenum is a fringe starting quarterback at best. He finds himself getting the starting nod again this week as Sam Bradford is again out with an injury. Keenum has played well for the Vikings and the team hopes he can continue this solid play until Bradford can return.

But I would probably feel better if the Lions faced Bradford this week instead of Keenum. Mainly, because of what Keenum was able to do against the Lions defense last year. He torched them, ending the game completing 84% of his attempts along with three touchdowns. Keenum had a field day with a below average Los Angeles Rams team, so this strong Vikings team is only going to help him.

I don’t see him having a career game again, but if the Lions don’t get pressure on him early and often he could easily get back into a lava hot groove.

2. Jarrad Davis returns

Last week the Lions missed their rookie in the middle of the defense. The Lions attempted to slot Nick Bellore into the position. The result is exactly what your first thought was (unless your first thought was who is Nick Bellore which is a valid thought to have.)

Davis’ return comes at a perfect time, as Vikings rookie running back Dalvin Cook is slowly proving he belongs in the league. If Davis can help lead this defense to stop him, the Vikings offense is going to have a tough time getting anything done. Also, a rookie holding his own/bettering a top rookie is only going to help Davis’ confidence and the chatter about him around the league.

By not playing last week Davis showed how important he is to this Lions team. More importantly, he showed how talented he is, which should be a warning to other teams to plan around him.

3. Matt Prater is elite

Can we seriously take a moment to talk about Prater and his foot of gold? The confidence that I have in his leg is crazy. I don’t even care about how long a kick is anymore. Honestly. Whenever I see Prater trot out there my immediate thought is – easy.

I don’t see a different outcoming happening Sunday earlier. You might be thinking something right now like “Jack. No! Stop! You’ll jinx him!” And I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. Because this is Matt Prater we’re talking about. He can’t be jinxed because he can’t be fazed.

Next: Lions offense not who we thought they were

Appreciate him, because as the Lions go on another end of the game run, Prater is going to be ready from anywhere.