The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions split their two games last season, though the Vikings eeked out their 14-13 December win. Today’s game is lining up to be more like the teams’ first matchup, a strong 34-24 win for the Lions in September. And the Detroit Lions league-leading defense this year is a key reason.
Minnesota is playing at home, where they’ve only lost one home game to the Lions all-time. But it’s a new stadium, and their offense is in total flux. Quarterback Christian Ponder last week started in place of rookie Teddy Bridgewater, completing 50% of his passes for 222 yards and two interceptions in the Vikings’ 42-10 loss to Green Bay.
Bridgewater is expected to be back for today’s Lions game after missing last Thursday’s loss with an ankle injury. He’ll be forced to do some heavy lifting, with running back Adrian Peterson trudging through drug issues in addition to abuse allegations and Matt Asiata just barely filling the void with 231 yards on 62 carries.
The Lions defense should eat that up. The Lions have the top-rated defense this season, having allowed the fewest total yards and second-fewest points. They’ve allowed 372 rushing yards through five weeks, with Ndamukong Suh recording six tackles and a sack.
Detroit’s offense has been clicking as well, though they lost 14-17 to the Bills in Week 5. Receiver Calvin Johnson sat out last week and will likely also watch today’s Lions game live from the sideline with a high ankle sprain. WR Golden Tate has helped compensate for Megatron’s injury, leading the Lions with 31 receptions for 451 yards. In last week’s loss to Buffalo, Tate had 7 grabs for 134 yards and a TD.
Here are the key points you need to know as you watch Lions vs Vikings live online free streaming today:
- Kickoff for Today’s Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings game: 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST
- Venue: TCF Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings are the home team)
- Who’s favored / point spread as you watch today’s Lions vs Vikings game: Detroit Lions are a 3-point favorite
- Live stream the Lions / Vikings game on FOX Sports here
- Watch live free online on the DirecTV website here (requires an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription with MAX package)