Facing a Lions team resigned to another non-playoff season after six losses in eight games, the Vikings have every reason to take care of business on Sunday and keep themselves in strong playoff position. Things rarely come easy at Ford Field, but their defense should help them win comfortably this time.
Three Big Story Lines
Playoff berth in sight
The Vikings can clinch a wild-card spot with a victory coupled with an Eagles loss or tie vs. the Texans. Considering the Bears can still be in position for a first-round bye with a victory at San Francisco, the Vikings can't count on facing Chicago's reserves in Week 17.
Another shot at Stafford
After sacking Matthew Stafford 10 times in the first meeting, the Vikings might find getting to the Lions QB more difficult on the road, but they have a history of making life difficult for the former No. 1 pick.
Diggs tries to join Thielen in triple digits
Stefon Diggs, who has 92 catches this season, has a chance to join Adam Thielen among Vikings receivers with 100-catch seasons. They would be only the second duo in NFL history with 100-catch seasons in the same season, joining Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark from the 2009 Colts.
Two Key Matchups
Vikings WR Stefon Diggs vs. Lions CB Darius Slay