The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Detroit Lions in the second annual winter whiteout on Christmas Eve in week 16.
During the Vikings 7-7 campaign, they have dealt with a myriad of injuries and struggles throughout the year. From losing star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to starting four quarterbacks due to injuries and poor play, it’s been an excellent coaching job from both Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores.
They still face an uphill battle if they want to win the NFC North. Just one Vikings loss or Lions win will give Detroit their first division title since 1993 when it was the NFC North.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, our staff and Jeff Risdon over at Lions Wire gave our preview and predictions.
Managing editor Tyler Forness
Record: 9-5
The Vikings are going into this game with a 2-1 record in the division while the Lions sit at 2-2. The Vikings are in somewhat of a desperation mode at this point in the season when it comes to the playoffs especially after a Los Angeles Rams win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. Things might be a completely different story in two weeks when the two teams play again in the final week of the regular season but the home field advantage will give the Vikings a slight win.
Vikings 27, Lions 24
Columnist Judd Zulgad
Record: 7-7
Just when you think you’ve figured out the 2023 Vikings, they do the opposite, so attempting to forecast this game is difficult. Minnesota remains in the sixth seed in the NFC playoff race, but the Lions are a much-improved team that can clinch the NFC North with a win. The Vikings’ meltdown in Cincinnati should provide plenty of motivation for O’Connell’s team to get back on track and do it against a division opponent they have yet to face this season. This game could come down to Mullens’ ability to avoid catastrophic mistakes and Brian Flores’ defense to put together a four-quarter game. Vikings 24, Lions 17
Columnist Saivion Mixson
Record: 8-6
Minnesota continues to keep the fans guessing. There’s no telling which iteration of this Vikings team will show up see from week-to-week. Nick Mullens showed some good things on Sunday, especially in the second half and overtime (14-of-17, 148 yards and 2 TDs) to inspire confidence moving forward. However, those two first-half red-zone interceptions kept the game much closer than it should have been, giving Cincinnati a chance to pull out the win late. That can’t happen against this talented Detroit Lions team. If the Vikings aren’t ready, this game could get away from them very quickly. Minnesota knows that this is a game they can’t afford to lose. One of three divisional games to close the year out, they need these to keep their playoff hopes alive. Because of that, they will be laser-focused on the task at hand, squeaking out a hard-fought NFC North win at home.
Vikings 30, Lions 28
Columnist Chris Spooner
Record: 6-4
The NFC North is going to be decided in the next three weeks. That goes without saying, as there’s only three weeks remaining in the season, but with the Vikings facing the Lions twice in that span, it really can’t be overstated how important this final stretch is. If the Vikings are able to win out, they will take the division crown, simple as that. All they have to do is take care of their own business and it all works itself out. They failed to do that last week, in yet another heartbreaking loss. They can’t afford another.
On paper, the Lions are probably the better team. They certainly have the more stable quarterback situation if nothing else. But games aren’t played on paper. Minnesota has everything to play for, and they should come into this week heavily motivated after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against the Bengals. I’m looking for Minnesota to come out firing early and looking to send a message. But I’m not sure if they have the capability to effectively send that message and have it land. It’ll be close, but ultimately I think the Lions deal a huge blow to the Vikings’ playoff hopes in this one.
Lions 31 Vikings 24
Lions Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon
I think the Lions have too much firepower for the Vikings to match, especially with the Detroit OL intact to maul in the run game and keep Goff comfortable. The Vikings will keep it close and can win if they force Detroit mistakes and if Minnesota scores touchdowns instead of field goals in the red zone.
Lions 26, Vikings 22.
