The Detroit Lions (3-4) are coming off a disappointing loss against the Indianapolis Colts (5-2). Up next for the Detroit Lions is a tough divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (2-5).

Dalvin without the Cook Please

Dalvin Cook put up 226 Total Yards from scrimmage and 4 Touchdowns during the Vikings win against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. If Detroit has any hope of winning this game (with or without Quarterback Matthew Stafford), Dalvin Cook just needs to be Dalvin on Sunday. The Detroit Lions are ranked 23rd against the run and give up the 7th most points per game as well.

I hate to use a similar argument – but Detroit MUST make Kirk Cousins beat them. Last week, Philip Rivers played his best game against the Lions. Without forcing a turnover – the game was out of reach fairly quickly. Detroit will want to play ahead of the Vikings and keep Cook’s touches down as much as possible. The Patricia defense will need to force turnovers against Cousins’, or we’re looking at a repeat of Sunday’s loss.

The Offensive Dilemma

Detroit could play Sunday with both of their Key offensive stars. Matthew Stafford has been placed on the COVID-19 list, while Kenny Golladay is most likely out after suffering a hip-injury against the Colts. If Detroit does line-up Sunday without their Quarterback, it’s hard to see the Detroit Lions moving the chains and putting together scoring drives.

The #Lions have placed QB Matthew Stafford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list pic.twitter.com/rUQS6DDRSB

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 4, 2020

Young talent will more than likely have to carry the Lions on offense. T.J. Hockenson and DeAndre Swift will need to get more touches than they’ve been getting this season. The Vikings defense is missing their best player with Danielle Hunter out for the remainder of the season. If Stafford plays, I give the Lions the edge in what will be a close game. Without Stafford – no need for me to give a prediction.

Prediction: Detroit Lions 27-23 Minnesota Vikings