VIKINGS VS LIONS THANKSGIVING DAY NFL LIVE STREAM - For the second straight year, the Lions and Vikings face off on Thanksgiving as the first and second place teams in the NFC North. Last year, the Lions bested Minnesota in a wild game that ended with a Darius Slay interception which set up the game-winning field goal. Though the Lions ended up squandering their division lead, the victory still helped lead Detroit to the postseason. If the Vikings are to win on Thursday, it’s hard to imagine them blowing their lead in the division considering it would move them to 9-2. However, if the Lions can pull off the upset, we’re in for a wild NFC North race in the final five games of the year. THANKSGIVING DAY NFL LIVE STREAM: MINNESOTA VIKINGS VS DETROIT LIONS online on your PC, laptop, Mac, I-pad, Tab, Ps4/3, I-phone Android or any other online device.
VIKINGS VS LIONS THANKSGIVING DAY NFL LIVE STREAM: >> http://nfl2017live.org/
Minnesota Vikings -
The Minnesota Vikings finally seem to be getting some respect after another huge win in their last game. They come into this game with an 8-2 record, and have a two game cushion in the NFC North. If they were to win this game, it would give them a three game cushion, and barring an epic collapse they would probably win the division.
In their last game they took on the Los Angeles Rams who have one of the best offenses in the NFL, and the Vikings only allowed them to put up seven points. This team is only giving up 17.2 points per game which is 4th in the NFL. They only gave up 14 points the first time they played the Lions though, so the key to this game is actually going to come down to the offensive side of the ball.
Case Keenum has been one of the biggest surprises all over the NFL. He comes into this game having thrown for 2194, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. For the most part this season has done a good job of not making the play to lose the Vikings game, which is key when you have as good as defense as the Vikings. I would look for the Vikings to use their up tempo offense a little more in this game to try and get the Lions defense off balance.
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
When: Thursday, November 23, 12:30 PM EST
TV Broadcast: FOX
Detroit Lions -
On the other side of this match up is the Detroit Lions who started this game as pick em, but now come into this game as two point underdogs. Although they have won their last two games they have struggled in both games, especially on the defensive side. They played the Browns and the Bears in the last two games, and against the Browns they were actually down for some of the game, and against the Bears they only won by three points.
The defense really struggled against two teams who don’t have very good offenses, and that has to be very concerning coming into this game. The bright side though has been the way the offense has played this year, and especially as of late. They are currently averaging 27.1 points per game which is 5th in the NFL.
To win this game they are going to need to find a way to get the offense rolling against a very good Vikings defense. The way the Vikings offense is playing, 14 points isn’t going to be enough for them to win in this game.
Three Things to Watch -
1. Case Keenum has saved the Vikings' season
Keenum (above, right) has gone 5–2 as the starter and played well in another win after taking over for the injured Sam Bradford. Granted, much of the credit needs to go to the Vikings defense, which is ranked No. 5 in the NFL in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. But Keenum and the offense have been surprisingly effective, especially given that running back Dalvin Cook was lost for the season after Week 4. Keenum and the Vikings have increased their total yards each week and have put up more than 400 yards in wins over Washington and the L.A. Rams since their bye week. Minnesota ranks fifth in total offense and 10th in scoring offense. Keenum isn’t carrying the Vikings — he’s thrown five interceptions over the last four weeks, including at least one in each game — but at least the defense hasn’t had to be perfect.
2. As Stafford goes, so go the Lions
While the Vikings generally just hope Keenum doesn’t lose them games, the Lions tend to hang around and let quarterback Matthew Stafford carry them as far as he can. Despite a running game that ranks 28th in the NFL and a defense that ranks 23rd, Stafford has the Lions in the thick of the NFC playoff race at 6–4, and they could be even better than that. Three of Detroit’s four losses have come by five points or less, and it seems they are never out of a game. Stafford led the NFL with eight fourth-quarter comeback wins last season, and he nearly erased a 35-point deficit against the Saints this season. Stafford ranks in the top five in the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns, and interception percentage.
3. Detroit must contain Griffin and Hunter
Minnesota defensive ends Everson Griffen (10.0) and Danielle Hunter (5.0) have combined for 15 sacks this season, including three of the six the Vikings had the last time these teams met. The Lions have struggled to protect Stafford all season, as only Jacoby Brissett of the Colts has been sacked more. In his career, Stafford has been sacked 48 times by the Vikings, by far the most of any opponent. The good news for Detroit is that left tackle Taylor Decker returned from an offseason shoulder injury two weeks ago, so the Lions should be better prepared for the Vikings pass rush. If they are not, it could be a long day.
Final Analysis -
The Vikings are the better team overall, but the Matthew Stafford vs. Case Keenum matchup may tilt this one in Detroit’s favor. While the Lions’ defense doesn’t have the solid numbers across the board that the Vikings’ does, it does rank fourth in takeaways, while Minnesota ranks 20th. Stafford doesn’t turn the ball over like he used to and in fact has thrown only six interceptions in his career against Minnesota. We’ll bet Keenum makes one too many mistakes and the Lions pull this one out.
Prediction: Lions 20, Vikings 17
VIKINGS VS LIONS THANKSGIVING DAY NFL LIVE STREAM: >> http://nfl2017live.org/
