Last meeting
In Week 6, Ryan Longwell nailed a 29-yard field goal with nine seconds left to let Minnesota escape with a 12-10 victory.
Streaks
The Vikings have won 12 of the last 13 meetings and have dominated the overall series, leading 62-30-2.
Last week
The Vikings took control of the NFC North with their 34-14 win over the Bears on Sunday Night Football. ... The Lions fell behind early and never recovered in their 47-10 loss to the Titans on Thanksgiving Day.
Fan feedback
Can the
Vikings hang on to the NFC North lead without Kevin and Pat Williams?
Is this the game that goes in the win column for the Lions? **What are your thoughts?**
Keep your eye on ...
All Day running all day: NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson has run for more than 100 yards seven times this season (including 111 yards vs. the Lions in Week 6). Last week he ran for 131 on a Chicago defense that was designed to stop him. This week he faces a defense that has given up a league-worst 176.9 yards per game on the ground.
A Williams-less d-line: The Vikings defense could be without two important members on Sunday, as defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams were suspended for four games by the NFL this week for violating the NFL policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. Minnesota will need to find a way to replace a duo that has combined for 86 tackles and nine sacks this season. Pat Williams recorded four sacks alone vs. the Lions in Week 6.
Three pointers: If the Lions' 30th-ranked offense is unable to get into the red zone, they might have to settle for field goals. Fortunately, they have Jason Hanson on the roster (and perfect conditions at Ford Field). He's 7-for-7 when kicking field goals from at least 50 yards this season. Last week he tied an NFL record by connecting on his 40th career field goal of at least 50 yards.
Did you know?
QB Gus Frerotte is 3-0 as a starter vs. the Lions. ... WR Calvin Johnson has a TD in six of the last eight games. ... Vikings RB Chester Taylor aims for his third game in row with touchdown. ... Lions QB Daunte Culpepper was a first-round draft pick (No. 11) by Vikings in 1999.
