NFL: 5 Reasons The Detroit Lions Will Beat The Minnesota Vikings On Thanksgiving

It’s been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades. NFL fans get to watch the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Usually they play a division rival, and this year is no different as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North matchup

Here are five reasons why the Lions will beat the Vikings.

1. Momentum

Look at the different directions these teams are going in. The Vikings began the season 5-0, and a playoff spot pretty much seemed inevitable. Since then the Vikings have lost four of their last five games and the injuries are piling up. They even cut ties with offensive coordinator Norv Turner. On the other hand, the Lions have won five of their last six games with an improving defense.

2. Home Sweet Home

The Lions have been very impressive this year playing at Ford Field, posting a 4-1 record at home to be exact. The Lions have won their last four consecutive home games while the Vikings are just 2-3 on the road. Sam Bradford may have a hard time hearing snap counts if Lions fans keep the noise level up. The Lions know that if they win this game at home, they will take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North.

3. Week 9

It wasn’t long ago that these two teams faced off, in Minnesota. In Week 9 the Vikings had a lead and blew it in the fourth quarter as Lions kicker Matt Prater nailed a 58-yard field goal to tie the game to send the match into overtime. The Lions would go on to win the game in overtime thanks to a 28-yard Golden Tate touchdown. That game may have broke the Vikings back. We’ll find out on Thursday.

4. Not The Same Old Lions

Who would have thought the Lions would be doing this well without Calvin Johnson? Matthew Stafford is spreading the ball around, and more importantly, he’s protecting the ball. Stafford has 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season. The Lions used to be a bore to watch on Turkey Day, but let’s keep in mind they have now won three consecutive games on Thanksgiving. All three of those Lions wins were by more than two touchdowns.

5. They Should Win

Let’s be honest here, the Lions should beat the Vikings on Thursday. They have every reason to win this game, and the Vikings are falling apart before our very eyes. The Vikings don’t have Adrian Peterson, and their quarterback is a guy who has never once made the postseason. This is one of the biggest Thanksgiving Day games in Lions franchise history.