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The Call: Vikings at Detroit

By Matt Vensel

December 14, 2014 at 12:11AM

Matthew Stafford has thrown for more than 300 yards the past two games, both 34-17 Lions victories. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WEEK 14: 3:25 p.m. at detroit • ch. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

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One man's prediction: Their playoff hopes dashed, the Vikings say they still have something to play for: a winning record. That would be quite an accomplishment for head coach Mike Zimmer given all that has gone down in his first season. But the Lions beat up the Vikings pretty good in Minneapolis. And while the Vikings and their rookie quarterback are better, the Lions will be too much to handle again Sunday at Ford Field.

Three keys

Retaking a test

The Week 6 loss to the Lions, 17-3 at TCF Bank Stadium, was the low point of the season for the Vikings offense, particularly the offensive line. The Vikings were dominated up front, allowing a season-high eight sacks and rushing for just 69 yards. Since then, the linemen, backs and tight ends involved in pass protection have slowly started to play better (then again, they had nowhere to go but up). But are they finally ready to pass this tough a test?

Sit down, fellas

The Vikings, who had been relatively healthy of late, are down four starters. Gerald Hodges will start for outside linebacker Anthony Barr. Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen will split snaps in place of defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd. Andrew Sendejo should start for safety Robert Blanton. And Vlad Ducasse will again fill in for left guard Charlie Johnson. So many injuries, we've run out of room for a snarky comment.

Rookie on a roll

The last time he played the Lions, in his second career start, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was overwhelmed. He threw a career-high three interceptions, and some of those eight sacks were on him for holding on to the ball. Since then, Bridgewater has gone on a seven-game touchdown streak, including two TD passes in each of his past three games. In the process, he's established himself as the best rookie QB in his class.

Player to watch

Xavier Rhodes

In the past four games, the second-year cornerback has allowed only 54 yards in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. But here comes Lions star Calvin Johnson. The Vikings typically keep Rhodes on the right side, but considering how well he is playing and how tall, physical receivers have fared against the team's other corners, this may be the week they buck the trend and ask Rhodes to shadow one receiver.

Minnesota Vikings Harrison Smith (22), Xavier Rhodes, (29), and Captain Munnerlyn, (24). ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - August , 2014 , Mankato, Minn., Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, NFL, (The Minnesota Star Tribune)