Week 18 opponent: What the Vikings are saying

LIVE FEED: VIKINGS GEAR UP FOR NFC SHOWDOWN IN DETROIT

Vikings Focused on Lions Ahead of Pivotal Clash

The Minnesota Vikings are laser-focused on their massive Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions, with the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs on the line.


Head Start on Preparations

Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that the Vikings began preparations for Detroit ahead of the Lions’ Monday Night Football game against San Francisco.

“We’ve already started diving into the Lions’ tape,” O’Connell said, acknowledging that the Vikings have a one-day preparation advantage. However, he noted that the familiarity between the division rivals minimizes the edge.

“It’s not like facing an unfamiliar opponent. Both teams know each other well, so it’ll come down to execution.”


T.J. Hockenson’s Return to Detroit

The spotlight will also be on T.J. Hockenson, the former Lions tight end who missed the first matchup in Week 7 while recovering from an ACL tear. Hockenson is ready for a game that carries both personal and playoff significance.

“This is what we play for,” Hockenson said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. You want to be in games like this. We’ve had a 1-0 mentality all year, and now it’s all about Detroit.”

Since returning from injury, Hockenson has posted 39 receptions for 446 yards (11.4 avg.) over nine games.

Reflecting on facing his former team, Hockenson added:
“Whenever you play your previous team, there’s excitement. I know those guys on the other side, and I respect that organization. It’s going to be a good, competitive game.”


Recent Struggles Against Detroit

The Lions have won their last four matchups against the Vikings, dating back to 2022. O’Connell attributed these losses to turnovers and Detroit’s ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.

“Detroit is a complete team,” O’Connell said. “They’re physical, well-coached, and play smart football. When you make mistakes against good teams like them, it’s hard to win.”

He highlighted the importance of being healthy heading into this critical game, noting:
“We haven’t always been at full strength in past games against them. Having T.J. (Hockenson) and our quarterback ready is a big advantage.”


Blake Cashman on Home-Field Advantage

For linebacker Blake Cashman, Sunday’s game is about more than a win—it’s about securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

“A win means everything runs through U.S. Bank Stadium,” Cashman said. “We’ve lost just once here this year, and I think opponents feel the challenge of playing here. If we handle business in Detroit, it gives us a great shot to stay home and gain a leg up on the competition.”


The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

With division supremacy and playoff positioning on the line, Sunday night’s clash in Detroit promises to be a thrilling showdown. Stay tuned for what could be the most defining game of the Vikings’ season!

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