I correctly picked the Vikings to easily beat the Saints and lose to the Steelers. I was wrong last week, not realizing how pathetic the Bucs' defense and Jameis Winston would be, and underestimating Case Keenum's ability to play well in short bursts.

Today, the Vikings face their first truly meaningful game of the season. Losing two close games to the Lions last year kept them out of the playoffs. Beating the Lions will put the Vikings in good shape, assuming they have a healthy and competent quarterback the rest of the way.

Keenum is tough to predict. He's had stretches of two, three and four games in a row in his career. He has never sustained success beyond a month. Will he be hot again today, or are the Lions good enough to force him into the kinds of mistakes that have made him a journeyman backup?

I think the Lions simply match up well with the Vikings. Matthew Stafford gets rid of the ball quickly, negating the Vikings' rush, and the Lions' defense should be good enough to pressure Keenum. I'll take Lions 22, Vikings 18.

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Ouor Vikings preview from The Mix Sports Radio and MNSPN.com features VikingUpdate publisher Tim Yotter, talking at length about the Vikings' skill-position players: http://rdo.to/MIX3

You can also find John Millea, Jon Krawczynski, Michael Russo, Roy Smalley, my show and our fan show at MNSPN.com or The MIx Sports Radio Facebook page.

@Souhanstrib