The NFL has two unbeaten teams left: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings
The first of those clubs is the reigning Super Bowl champion. The second is a squad that finished 7-10 last season and lost its franchise quarterback in free agency.
On Sunday, the Lions will face possibly the NFL’s biggest surprise: the 5-0 Vikings, who are riding high thanks to a successful quarterback reclamation project, the ability to win close games, and a defense that can get to the quarterback.
Here is a deeper look at the Lions-Vikings:
Darnold arrives.
Sam Darnold joined Minnesota this summer after spending six seasons in the NFL with three clubs, four head coaches, and five offensive coordinators since the Jets selected him third overall in 2018.
Now he might have finally found the proper place to realize his potential. He has a career-high passer rating (103.4) and completion percentage (63.5). He throws downfield frequently – his 8.1 yards per pass attempt is top-five in the league – and his 11 touchdown passes rank fourth in the league. (It also helps to have Justin Jefferson to throw to!)
Darnold was regarded as a likely bridge quarterback when he was signed following Kirk Cousins’ free agent departure. But his performance has demonstrated why he was a top overall pick and challenged that assumption. Sound familiar, Lions fans?
Akers returns to the backfield.
Cam Akers, a running back, has been signed by the Vikings for the second time in about a year.
The Vikings traded for the veteran this week to provide some injury insurance while starter Aaron Jones recovers from a right hip ailment. Jones, who has an average of 70 rushing yards per game, is listed as day-to-day.
Akers rushed for 147 yards in five games this season at Houston. He played six games for the Vikings last season. The squad also features Ty Chandler, who has 42 carries for 147 yards this season.
Flores’ defense
Brian Flores was unable to make the playoffs during his three seasons as Miami Dolphins coach from 2019 to 21. However, in his first term as an NFL defensive coordinator, he is proving to be quite successful.
The Vikings’ defense ranks second in the league, allowing only 76 points in five games. It allows only 67 running yards per game while generating an NFL-high 34 hurries on pass plays with a strategy that relies largely on players’ reads and decisions.
Flores is in his second season with the Vikings. Last season, the Lions defeated the Vikings twice late in the season, scoring 30 points each time.
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