Lions at Vikings
THE STORY: With Matthew Stafford beginning to realize his massive potential, the Detroit Lions are no longer a horror show these days. The red-hot Lions, who’ve won six straight dating to last season, seek to improve to 3-0 for the first time in 31 years by ending a 14-game road losing streak to the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Stafford threw four touchdowns and the Lions rolled to a 48-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The third-year pro is tied for the NFL lead with seven touchdowns. The win over the Chiefs helped the Lions improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2007. Now, they’ll try for their first win in the Metrodome since 1997. The Vikings are reeling after blowing a 17-point lead in a 24-20 loss to Tampa Bay. Minnesota is the first team in NFL history to lose its first two games despite having a double-digit halftime lead in both. The Lions ended a six-game losing streak to Minnesota with a 20-13 win in the 2010 season finale, but Detroit has still lost 17 of the last 19 meetings. Minnesota is looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since losing its first four games in 2002.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Detroit -3.5, O/U 45.5
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (0-2): The Metrodome roof collapsed during a snowstorm last December, but this season it’s the Vikings who are caving. They’ve been outscored 41-3 in the second half. Five-time All-Pro DT Kevin Williams is eligible to return from a two-game suspension, but he is dealing with plantar faciitis. Offensively, QB Donovan McNabb (228 yards) rebounded last week after throwing for a mere 39 yards in the season opener, while RB Adrian Peterson (120 yards, 2 TDs vs. Tampa Bay) has rushed for an NFC-best 218 yards.
ABOUT THE LIONS (2-0): More than two years removed from an 0-16 season, Detroit is seeking its first 3-0 start since 1980 (4-0). Stafford has thrown for 599 yards with a 65.3 percent completion rate. WR Calvin Johnson, Stafford’s top target, is tied for the league lead with four touchdowns. Detroit’s ferocious defense, which is anchored by Ndamukong Suh, forced six turnovers last week. The Lions rank second in the league in points allowed (11.5), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (4).
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Vikings have started 0-2 in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2001-02.
2. Stafford is the second player in league history to throw four or more touchdowns three times in his first 15 starts (Fran Tarkenton).
3. Peterson set a team record with his 54th rushing touchdown last week.