5 Things to Watch: Lions vs. Vikings in Epic NFC Showdown

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings face off tonight in a monumental matchup at Ford Field. Both teams come in with identical 14-2 records, vying for first place in the NFC and the NFC North crown. The winner gets home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser drops to fifth place, starting their playoff run on the road. This is the first regular-season game in NFL history featuring two teams with a combined 28 wins.

Here’s what to watch for in this high-stakes matchup:

1. Will Alex Anzalone suit up?

Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone returned to practice this week for the first time since breaking his forearm in Week 11. After being a full participant Thursday and Friday, Detroit activated him from injured reserve Saturday, signaling his potential return to action tonight.

As the defensive captain and anchor of the Lions defense, Anzalone’s presence would be significant. He’s Detroit’s top coverage linebacker, a critical role against Minnesota’s high-powered passing game. Expect him to play with a protective sleeve, which he’s already tested in practice. His return couldn’t come at a better time: Last week, San Francisco’s Brock Purdy exploited Detroit’s linebackers, completing 11 attempts for 182 yards and a touchdown while targeting them in coverage.

2. Containing the Vikings’ passing attack

The Lions have a tough task against Minnesota’s elite passing attack, especially without top cornerback Carlton Davis III. The Vikings have one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the NFL, led by All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson (1,479 yards, 10 TDs). Even if Detroit can limit Jefferson, they still have to contend with rookie Jordan Addison (875 yards, 9 TDs), Jalen Nailor (361 yards, 6 TDs) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (446 yards).

Hockenson, who notably sat out their Week 7 meeting, adds another dimension to Minnesota’s offense. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn acknowledged the challenge this week, emphasizing the importance of limiting Jefferson’s impact:

“The big guys are going to make plays, but we’re going to do everything we can to contain him.” This game is going to be a battle, and we’re ready for it.”

3. Protect Jared Goff

The Vikings’ aggressive defense leads the league in blitz percentage (38 percent) and ranks third in quarterback hurries (62) and sacks (47). Defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to pressure, but blitzing Jared Goff comes with risks.

Goff thrives under pressure, with a 127.1 passer rating against the blitz this season, with 15 touchdowns, just two interceptions and eight sacks. In their previous meeting, Goff completed 93.8 percent of his passes (15 of 16) for 165 yards and a touchdown against the blitz, helping the Lions to a tight 31-29 victory.

4. Turnover battle could decide the game

Turnovers often define tight matchups, and both teams excel at it. Detroit ranks fourth in the NFL with a turnover differential of +11, while Minnesota is right behind at +10.

The Vikings are tied for the league lead in takeaways (31), and their ability to force turnovers has been crucial: They are undefeated (6-0) in games where they create at least two takeaways. Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense is one of the safest in the league, with just 13 giveaways this season (fourth fewest).

The Lions’ defense has been equally opportunistic, recording 24 takeaways, including 13 interceptions by safeties Kerby Joseph (9) and Brian Branch (4). Whichever team wins the turnover battle tonight will have a clear advantage.

5. Can Jahmyr Gibbs stay healthy?

Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been electric in recent weeks, stepping up his game while David Montgomery has been sidelined. Over the last two games, Gibbs has 226 rushing yards, 317 total yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 50 touches.

Gibbs leads the NFL in rushing average (5.61) among qualified rushers and has 37 carries of 10 or more yards this season. In their Week 7 meeting, he torched the Vikings for 116 rushing yards on just 15 carries (7.7 average) and two touchdowns, adding 44 receiving yards on four receptions.

Minnesota’s defense ranks second in rushing yards allowed (88.1 per game), making for a 1-2