BOLD PREDICTIONS
MATT VENSEL: CORDARRELLE PATTERSON WILL TOP 100 YARDS FROM SCRIMMAGE

With Patterson getting just 19 touches through five games, including four catches and no carries, the coaching staff knows that they need to get Patterson more involved -- even if it just to keep us from asking them about his usage every week. So look for the Vikings to try to get Patterson engaged in the game early and often. Those running plays might not be available with the Lions likely on the look out for them, but if they are able to get Patterson re-involved in the screen game, he is a big play waiting to happen. This is just a guess, of course, but I see Patterson getting five or six catches and making the most of them with more than 100 yards from scrimmage and at least one highlight reel touchdown.
MARK CRAIG: THE JARIUS RATIO BEGINS?

Jarius Wright, Teddy Bridgewater's favorite target from the Atlanta victory, will notch another 100-yard game with one touchdown, jump starting a new question for us to nag Norv Turner within a couple weeks: "Norv, why isn't Jarius getting more snaps and/or touches?!" Defensively, with no Calvin Johnson to worry about, the Vikings will shut down the run and intercept Matthew Stafford twice.
MASTER TESFATSION: VIKINGS HOLD LIONS OFFENSE UNDER 300 YARDS

The Vikings defense gets back on track against the Lions after five inconsistent games with their best performance this season. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is doubtful, while running back Reggie Bush is questionable. The Lions will struggle to spread the Vikings defense and stretch the field without their two playmakers, like they did against the Bills last week. The Vikings held just the Patriots to under 300 total yards this season, and they lost. That won't happen this time. Vikings win, 20-17.

CHRIS MILLER: THE VIKINGS WILL HAVE AN UNSUNG HERO

Could be Joe Banyard. Or Chase Ford. Or Gerald Hodges. Or Jeff Locke. Someone is going to do something that makes him the unsung hero for the Vikings in a game they pull out in the fourth quarter. Andrew Sendejo? Adam Thielen? It'll be just like in 2003 when the Vikings opened the season at Lambeau Field and John Avery scored the first touchdown. With all my vast knowledge of Vikings history, I turned to my cousin and said, "Who the heck is John Avery? And did you just get a beer without getting me one?" (And yes, I am aware that Matt was in high school and Master wasn't born in 2003.) Look for an unsung hero on Sunday, someone that a lot of people know nothing about.