ABOUT THE LIONS (9-4)

• The Lions defeated the Vikings 17-3 in Week 6 in their first matchup at TCF Bank Stadium.

• They're second in the NFC North and on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Bucs 34-17 on Sunday.

• The Lions defense is the top-ranked run defense in the NFL, allowing 62.8 yards per game, and is second in total defense, limiting opponents to 295.7 yards per game.

• Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is seventh in the NFL with 3,644 passing yards. He also has 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 61.5 percent of his passes.

• Lions wide receiver Golden Tate is seventh in the NFL in both receiving yards (1,186) and receptions (84).

• Linebacker DeAndre Levy is third in the NFL with 121 total tackles.

PLAYER SPEAK DT Ndamukong SUH

• Suh is second on the Lions with 5.5 sacks and seventh with 38 total tackles.

• He tied his season high with 17 tackles for loss when he recorded three tackles for loss against the Bucs.

• On first matchup vs. Vikings: "I think we played pretty well against the run and then we had an opportunity to get after them with the pass after we had a decent lead and went from there. Our secondary did a good job throwing their quarterback and receivers out of their normal sync, and we had time to get back there."

• On being in playoff contention: "I understand we hold our own fate. That's where you want to be in December so just go out there and do what you're supposed to do, don't get hurt yourself and you should be able to take care of business. We have a big test from a solid team that's been playing well."

COACH SPEAK JIM CALDWELL

• The 59-year-old Caldwell is in his first season as the Lions head coach. He's 35-26 in four seasons as an NFL head coach, including one AFC championship during his tenure with the Colts.

• On the final three weeks: "We don't look beyond the final three weeks to be honest with you. We don't look or talk about scenarios. What we try and do is go out and focus in on the guys we have to play, and we have our hands full against a very good football team that keeps getting better."

• On previous matchup vs. Vikings: "I don't think any of it translates because it was so long ago. The thing about this league … teams get better as time goes on."

• On winning down the stretch: "It's when you make your money. November and December are the most important months."

MASTER TESFATSION