For whatever reason, the Vikings have had their fair share of trouble with the Lions in recent years. Things won't be easy against the only NFC North team to win on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium, but the Vikings should be able to make enough big plays to prevail.
THREE BIG STORY LINES
Lions undefeated at U.S. Bank Stadium
Through the Vikings' first two seasons at U.S. Bank Stadium, they've swept both the Packers and the Bears. The Lions, however, won their first two games at the stadium. Mike Zimmer is 3-5 against Detroit.
Comeback for Cook on Sunday?
RB Dalvin Cook, who missed five of the past six games because of a hamstring injury, is hoping to return to face the team against which he tore his ACL last year. A source told the Star Tribune the Vikings hope Cook can play 15-20 snaps, though the team had the same plan on Oct. 14 against the Cardinals before Cook was deactivated following his pregame workout.
Thielen chases another record
Having broken the NFL record for the most consecutive 100-yard games to start a season (eight), WR Adam Thielen can fashion the longest streak of 100-yard games — at any point of the season — as he tries to top Calvin Johnson's mark of eight games. The Vikings might need to rely on Thielen more, as Stefon Diggs is questionable because of a rib injury.
TWO KEY MATCHUPS
Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes vs. Lions WR Marvin Jones