The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions share a long, fierce rivalry that stretches back 65 years. The Vikings joined the NFL in 1961 as an expansion team and lost their first five games against Detroit. Now, decades later, history seems to be repeating itself — Minnesota has dropped five straight games to the Lions. No Vikings team has ever lost six in a row to their longtime division rivals, and that’s a streak they’ll be fighting to protect as they head into Week Nine at Ford Field.
Despite their recent struggles, the Vikings have been the dominant team in this matchup over the years. They hold an impressive 80-45-2 record against the Lions, with long stretches of control that include a 13-game winning streak from 1968 to 1974, a run of 16 wins in 17 games between 2002 and 2009, and another eight straight victories from 2017 to 2021. But those numbers mean little now, as the Lions enter this matchup as 8½-point favorites. Detroit, currently 5-2, is faster, stronger, and playing with far more confidence than Minnesota.
Still, the Vikings might not be as overmatched as they appear on paper. The team is finally getting healthier, and that could make a difference. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to return from a high ankle sprain after missing several weeks. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft has shown flashes of promise, notably leading a comeback win over the Chicago Bears in Week 1, though his second outing against Atlanta was underwhelming. Now, he faces one of the league’s toughest defenses in Detroit, which will be a true test of his readiness.
The Vikings’ offensive struggles have been clear, especially in their Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. They managed just 34 rushing yards and held the ball for only 21 minutes, compared to the Chargers’ 39. With quarterback Carson Wentz sidelined and the offensive line struggling, the team’s offense looked lifeless. But help is on the way — both starting tackles, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, have returned to full practice. Their presence could restore some stability and protect McCarthy from Detroit’s aggressive pass rush.
Defensively, Minnesota also expects a boost with the return of linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who’s been out since Week 2 with a neck injury. Van Ginkel was one of the team’s standout players last season, recording 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two interception returns for touchdowns. His ability to read plays and create momentum-changing turnovers could be exactly what defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs to spark his unit.
While the odds favor the Lions, the Vikings’ returning stars could give them a fighting chance. For a team that’s struggled to find rhythm this season, this game offers a chance to reset — to prove that they can overcome adversity and remind the league of their competitive spirit. If Minnesota wants to keep its season alive and avoid another chapter of disappointment, this is the moment to rise to the occasion. Their long-standing dominance over Detroit might not guarantee a win, but it serves as motivation to make this matchup one to remember.
