To the Vikings, the only unfamiliar thing about these Detroit Lions is their place atop the NFC North and their potential staying power.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson knows of the struggle in Detroit, where he was a part of just 12 wins in three and a half seasons as a first-round draft pick. He's already enjoyed more wins (14) since being traded to the Vikings last year. He'll need another win on Sunday to prevent his former team from clinching Detroit's first division title in 30 years.
The surging Lions arrive to U.S. Bank Stadium with respect from Vikings coaches and players who are familiar with quarterback Jared Goff, the former Rams starter; wunderkind play caller Ben Johnson, who is Hockenson's former tight ends coach; and an impressive Lions roster that appears to be taking the next step in Year 3 under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.