Week 14 – Lions @ Vikings

The flailing 3-8-1 Lions travelled to face the 8-4 Vikings in a battle of the NFC North. The Vikings were looking to make dent in the lead for the NFC North, trying to bring down the division leaders, the 10-3 Packers. The Lions were trying to end a miserable drought of losses since Week 8. The Lions, who had injured Matthew Stafford and Jeff Driskel, turned to their third string, undrafted, rookie out of Purdue, David Blough. This was his 2nd NFL start. The Vikings dominated the ball during the entirety of the game coming out on top with a 20-7 victory. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was 24/30 for 242 yards and 1 touchdown, while rookie David Blough was 24/40 for 205 yards and 1 touchdown. The Vikings improved to 9-4, maintaining 2nd place, while the Lions sank to 3-9-1, still at 4th place. Next week, the Lions face the stingy Buccaneers run defense, but porous pass defense. The Lions defense will face turnover prone Jameis Winston and try to take advantage. The Vikings will play the Los Angeles Chargers and try to pull a win to take the top spot in the NFC North. They are currently the 6th seed, so this win is necessary. Sports Illustrated Magazine has confirmed that Lions head coach Matt Patricia will return next season.