The Minnesota Vikings snapped their four-game losing streak by beating the Cardinals on Sunday, and now they travel to take on the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving with first place in the NFC North on the line. Detroit may have pulled off the surprising upset win in the first matchup, but this will be different. Here are three reasons why the Vikings will win:
3) Dominant defense
Even during this losing streak, Minnesota has been as dominant as anyone in the league on the defensive side of the ball. They rank in the top three in the league in both yards allowed and points allowed per game, showcasing their all-around dominance. As has been the case in every game this season, that unit will give the offense a chance to win.
2) Improved offense
Luckily for the Vikings, their offense really seemed to break out of their slump against the Cardinals. They played efficient, complementary football - which they did during their five-game win streak to start the season - and were able to move the ball against another one of the NFL's better defenses. Two of their three first-half drives ended in touchdowns, allowing them to grab an early lead and play ball control the rest of the way. Look for them to try to use a similar formula against Detroit.
1) Detroit's inability to run the ball
If defense and ball-control offense allow Minnesota to control the game, the Lions won't be able to get it back. They rank just 30th in the league in rushing yards, showing how much they rely on Matthew Stafford's arm and big plays on the offensive end. Only one back (Theo Riddick) has more than 110 yards on the ground, and no one has more than 310. That's a major problem for the Lions.
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