Opponent Preview: Detroit Lions face Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6
After facing two difficult fixtures on the road in week 2 and 3, the Detroit Lions will return back to Ford Field to face their National Football Conference (NFC) North rival, Minnesota Vikings in week 4.
That game will be followed by a well earned bye-week for the franchise before they once again get back on the road to face Philadelphia Eagles in week 6.
Week 4: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings this year look much stronger from the team that spluttered over the finishing line with a poor 3-13 record.
A great draft day thanks to general manager, Rick Spielman’s wonderful moves led to the addition of two first round draft picks which reinforced crucial positions at both offence and defence.
Offensive tackle, Matt Kalil and Safety Harrison Smith arrived to bolster the roster.
Kalil fulfils a much needed requirement for the Vikings offensive unit and will provide quarterback, Christian Ponder, the protection he was denied last season.
Running back, Adrian Peterson is likely to be also back in the roster by week 4 after recovering from an ACL injury and that will spell trouble for the Lions.
Like last season’s first game between the two sides this one too will be a tough encounter for both teams.
Head-to-Head
Both teams know each other very well as they face off twice every NFL season. In the 101 games played between them the Vikings have overwhelmingly dominated Detroit.
The Lions have managed just 33 wins against their division rivals with Minnesota winning 66 times and two games ending up as tied.
That statistic is more due to the Lions poor performances but from last season’s results it seems the balance is shifting favourably in Detroit’s direction.
Week 5: Bye-Week
Time for the Lions to rest up and recuperate ahead of a punishing schedule.
Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles
A team touted for greatness last season, the Eagles struggled to live up to their billing in 2011 and ended up with an 8-8 record.
In 2012 they once again look strong on paper with many including our very own Zach Norman touting them to go deep in the playoffs and even challenge for the Super Bowl.
The team looked great in offseason training something they were not able to accomplish due to last season’s NFL lockout.
Defence was a major stumbling block for the team but with the addition of linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the Eagles mean business and they will be a tough opponent for Detroit.
Head-to-Head
Both teams have faced each other 30 times with the Eagles having the upper hand with 16 victories. Detroit has won 12 with two games ending up tied.
Tags: