vikings vs lions – The Lions can still aim for the playoffs by beating the Vikings

The game between the Lions and the Vikings will be shown on RDS and RDS.ca, Saturday at 4:30 pm

The Detroit Lions can no longer win the National Association North division title, having won the last two. The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated two weeks ago.

These sectional rivals’ combined 29 wins last season are a distant memory, illustrating once again how quickly the trajectories of NFL teams can shift from one year to the next.

It seemed natural that the Lions and Vikings would face off in one of the three games on Christmas Day, but the holiday movie broadcast could relegate this matchup to the background given the current situation of both teams.

The Lions, at least, still have a chance to make the playoffs, even if they need some help.

The path is simple: beat the Vikings on Thursday and the Chicago Bears next week, and see the Green Bay Packers losing their last two games.

After reaching the National Association finals at the end of the 2023 season and setting a team record with 15 wins last campaign, the Lions (8-7) are struggling after their home loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh SteelersSunday. It was their first two-game losing streak in over three years.

“We don’t have that feeling. It’s starting to eat now, admits the quarterback. Jared Goff. We need to find a solution.”

The ground attack, the engine of the Lions’ success the last two seasons, is not working this year. The offensive line lost two 2024 starters who were not properly replaced, and injuries have disrupted the play of some players this season. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomeryas a result, they were not so productive, and the passing game with false runs, in which Goff excels, also proved less effective.

Last week, the Lions gained just 15 rushing yards, their lowest total since 2016. They are 0-6 this season when they fail to reach 100 rushing yards, including a Nov. 2 home loss to the Vikings.

“It’s very difficult to control anything if we don’t control the ground game,” coach Dan Campbell said.

He is the undrafted rookie Max Brosmer who will have his second career start, for the Vikings (7-8).

Brosmer inherited a tough task in his first game as a starter, on November 30 in Seattle, against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The fourth JJ McCarthy was then absent due to a concussion and Carson Wentz had to sit out the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery.

Brosmer threw four interceptions in the Seahawks’ 26-0 loss for the first shutout against the Vikings in 18 years.

This time, McCarthy is unavailable due to a stress fracture in his hand. Brosmer will have the opportunity to play at home against a much more vulnerable defense.

“I’ve dreamed of playing in the NFL for a long time, and to define myself mentally for one game would be unfair to the young player that I was,” Brosmer said.

With three defensive starters on injured reserve, including star players Branch Brian and Kerby Josephthe defense of the Lions collapsed. She threw three 45-yard touchdowns to the Steelers last week, including two rushing.

Brosmer, meanwhile, took McCarthy’s place in the second half against the New York Giants and allowed the Vikings to seal their third straight victory.

“It’s about constantly finding new ways to move forward and improve with your teammates,” Brosmer said. It’s rewarding to be in the meeting with the boys and see the fruit of your work.”

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press