Vikings-Lions pick

I've been rather bullish on the Vikings, considering they're 6-7 and out of the playoff race. Or maybe because they're 6-7 despite all that has befallen them as a franchise in the last few months.

That doesn't mean I think they'll win on Sunday at Detroit. Quite the contrary. I think this is the worst possible matchup for this team.

The Vikings' flimsy offensive line? Up against the Lions' fearsome front, playing at home, with crowd noise. Advantage: Lions.

The Vikings' rookie quarterback? See above.

The Vikings' running game? Using its third and fourth and fifth options of the season against the best run-stopping unit in the NFL, by far.

The Vikings' rush defense? It's been less than stellar lately, and now has to face a surging Joique Bell and a finally-healthy Reggie Bush.

The Vikings' secondary? Xavier Rhodes has been exceptional of late, but he'll either have to cover Calvin Johnson on every down (unlikely) or he'll be leaving Josh Robinson to cover Johnson. Robinson has gotten torched by bigger receivers (the Bears') and by those with excellent body control and ball awareness (Percy Harvin.) Johnson is a combination of both.

Coaching? The Vikings have usually had the advantage in this category throughout the history of this rivalry. And they may this year. I'd take Mike Zimmer over Jim Caldwell as a strategist. But Caldwell has done what a Lions head coach needs to do - provide solid leadership to a remarkably talented squad. Caldwell not being one of his predecessors is good enough to get the Lions into the playoffs.

I like a lot of what's happening at Winter Park these days. I think Zimmer is positioning this team to succeed in the future.

The Lions, though, may provide a reminder of just how far the Vikings still have to travel to be a playoff team.

My don't-bet-on-it-even-with-your-brother's-money pick: Lions 31, Vikings 17.

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I'm in Detroit this weekend to write Vikings-Lions.

Thanks for reading.