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5 bold predictions for Vikings against Lions

By Josie Rohach

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 12: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings prepares to take the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 12: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings prepares to take the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings
Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Minnesota’s defense will shutout Detroit in the first half

The Vikings defense just hasn’t played great. They aren’t awful either, but Zimmer hasn’t been especially pleased with their performance in a long time.

A huge win for Minnesota is the return of Anthony Barr, who they expect will play against the Lions this week. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker is going to change the game for the Vikings who need to stifle Detroit’s offense.

The Lions are No. 24 in the league for total offensive points this season with an average of 20.3 per game. They haven’t scored in the first half in two straight games. Minnesota has no excuse not to capitalize on Detroit’s shaky starts to force them into the locker room at half time without points on the board.

To accomplish an early defensive stand, the Vikings need to get to the quarterback. Goff struggles with deep balls, so knocking him back and putting him in positions where the pressure is on to make a big throw is key. He’s also been sacked 10 times since becoming a Lion. Minnesota will break him down and force the Detroit to try to win a game with just two quarters of offense.

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