What to know when the Vikings host the Detroit Lions on Thursday afternoon:
Vikings vs. Lions
When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV: Netflix / WCCO-Channel 4
Radio: KFAN
Line: Lions -7.5
Over/Under: 43.5
Keys for the Vikings
— The fact that rookie quarterback Max Brosmer is starting for the Vikings should dictate the game plan. There will more than likely be a heavy emphasis on establishing the run to help set up the pass. That said, Brosmer will have to play at a high level if the Vikings want to upset the Lions, especially if the game turns into a shootout. There should be ample opportunity for Brosmer to make plays against a depleted secondary on the other side. He has to be able to take advantage, whether that means attacking the middle with star receiver Justin Jefferson, pushing the ball deepto receiver Jordan Addison, or checking down and moving to the next step, Brosmer has to affect the game with his arm if the Vikings are going to have a chance.
Keys for the Lions
— As effective as the Lions have been running the ball this season, they rushed for a mere 15 yards in their recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That lack of success on the ground made everything else extremely challenging for the offense, and can’t happen again if the Lions want to take care of business today. They need to control of the line of scrimmage with running back Jahmyr Gibbs first and foremost. Not only will that open up the playbook for veteran quarterback Jared Goff, it will also help the Lions stymie the Vikings’ interior pass rush. The biggest issue for Gibbs will be pass protection. If he’s unable to pick up blitzes with regularity, he will likely cede reps to fellow running back David Montgomery, which could impact the Lions’ ability to run the ball.
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