Fansided

NFL Week 9: 5 best games on Sunday

By Matt Verderame

Oct 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) pumps his fist during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Ford Field. Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) pumps his fist during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Ford Field. Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings, Sam Bradford
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

This game is underrated. Detroit is coming off a tough loss on the road against Houston, and now has to come into Minnesota against an angry Vikings team. Minnesota is trying to rebound after a pair of ugly losses to the Eagles and Bears, watching its offensive line get manhandled in both affairs.

The Lions are playing some decent ball, led by an offense that can throw downfield. Matthew Stafford is in the MVP conversation, despite playing in relative anonymity for a .500 club. If head coach Jim Caldwell can get the running game going, the Lions have a chance to make a nice run down the stretch and perhaps snag a wild card spot, or even an NFC North title.

The Vikings have to figure out what is wrong with the offense. While the defense appears to be championship caliber, Sam Bradford and Co. continue to look lost and at times, disinterested. Minnesota is 5-2, but the wheels are starting to come off a bit. On the plus side, offensive coordinator Norv Turner has more than 30 years of coaching experience and is a brilliant mind in terms of scheme.

Detroit and Minnesota could come down to whether the Vikings figure out their blocking assignments. That should send a chill down the spine of everyone rooting for the home team.

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