In this week's edition of "Behind Enemy Lines," we reached out once again to Josh Katzenstein, who covers the Lions for the Detroit News. the Wayzata native and University of Minnesota alumnus answered five questions about the second, and final, matchup between the Vikings and Lions this season at Ford Field on Sunday.

1. The Lions defense has maintained its top-two status in the NFL since the last time they faced the Vikings. What's been the biggest reason for consistency this late in the season?

JK: As it was against the Vikings, the Lions' defensive line has been the catalyst for the group's success this year, and the line's ability to shut down the run forces nearly every offense to be one-dimensional. Ndamukong Suh deserves most of the credit for the domination up front. Suh's stats are solid for a defensive tackle — 5 1/2 sacks, 34 tackles, 12 for loss — but he creates so many opportunities for other players because offenses have no choice but to double team him. If they don't, Suh can single-handedly ruin a play. The defense also has consistent contributions from the second and third levels, too, as linebacker DeAndre Levy and free safety Glover Quin are in the midst of Pro-Bowl-level seasons. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin also deserves plenty of credit as his ability to disguise blitzes and coverages makes things difficult for opponents.

2. How has defense end Ezekiel Ansah looked since recording a career-high 2.5 sacks against left tackle Matt Kalil?

JK: Ansah's performance against the Vikings started what's been a really strong past two months. Before the win in Minnesota, Ansah had just one sack and two tackles for loss the first five games. Including the Vikings game, he's had 6 1/2 sacks and six tackles for loss in the past eight games. Ansah has taken advantage of many one-on-one opportunities and seems to improve every week because he's still learning the game. He also flashes his athletic ability a few times per game by making plays downfield. On Sunday, his performance against Kalil should be a big determinant of how successful the pass rush can be.

3. Where has quarterback Matthew Stafford improved and regressed the most this season?

JK: This is a tough question because Stafford hasn't really improved or regressed this season. He still struggles progressing through his reads and makes some errant throws each game, but he can create plenty of plays with his strong arm. His biggest improvement has been protecting the ball as he has just 10 interceptions after throwing 19 last year. The area in which he's regressed the most is waiting too long for plays to develop, which has led to a career-high in sacks. The problem is the Lions don't know exactly what they'll get from Stafford week to week. He's been excellent the past two games, completing better than 75 percent of passes against the Buccaneers and Bears. But before that, the Lions went two straight games without a touchdown. How he plays against a solid Vikings defense should provide a better idea of whether the last two games were an anomaly or legitimate.

4. Who will the Lions use at running back and what will the rotation look like?
Joique Bell has been the Lions' best between-the-tackles running back all year, and he should continue to be the workhorse even with Reggie Bush back. Bell is coming off his best two games of the season with 91 yards against Chicago and 83 yards against Tampa Bay, and the Lions should continue to feature him as a runner. Bush will have opportunities as a receiver and will get some handoffs, too, but the Lions would be wise to give Theo Riddick opportunities. Riddick torched the Vikings for 75 receiving yards and is averaging 10.1 yards per reception compared to Bush's 5.9. But Riddick didn't play a snap last week, so the Lions will likely give Bush the first opportunity behind Bell.

5. What do the Lions need to do to win this game?

JK: The Lions defense should be able to limit the Vikings offense because it will eliminate the run game early, forcing Teddy Bridgewater to carry the team. And he doesn't have the weapons to beat what's been a solid Lions secondary for most of the year. The key for the Lions will be on offense, specifically up front. If the line can free Bell and give Stafford enough time to find Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, the Lions should win. Johnson's return has given the offense a lift, and as long as the Lions win the turnover battle, they should keep pace in the playoff race.