The Detroit Lions benefited from a much-needed bye in Week 8, as the rest of the NFC North continued to battle for positioning. The Green Bay Packers secured a win in their highly anticipated clash with the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Chicago Bears fell to the Baltimore Ravens.
Adding to Detroit’s advantage, the Minnesota Vikings dropped their Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers earlier in the week.
That result keeps the Lions in a tight race for the top spot with the Packers, while the Vikings and Bears struggle to stay afloat in the division standings. Detroit won’t face Green Bay again until Week 13, but they’ll have an opportunity to widen the gap over Minnesota this week — and that task may have just gotten easier thanks to the Vikings’ latest injury news on quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings Expected to Start McCarthy Against Lions in Week 9
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, McCarthy is slated to make his first start since returning from the ankle injury he suffered earlier in the season — and it’ll come against one of the league’s toughest defenses. Rapoport reported that the Vikings were cautious about ensuring McCarthy was fully healthy before re-inserting him into the lineup, but they’ve chosen quite the challenge for his return.
Detroit’s defense has been stellar, giving up only 300 total yards per game and just 87.7 rushing yards on average. That means Minnesota will need to rely heavily on its passing game — something even Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers struggled to accomplish against this Lions unit.
McCarthy’s first two starts left much to be desired, as he posted a 2:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, 301 passing yards, and a passer rating of only 67.2. Carson Wentz stepped in during McCarthy’s absence but recently suffered what appeared to be a shoulder injury during Thursday Night Football, leaving the rookie to resume command.
While the Vikings clearly trust McCarthy’s potential, it’s difficult to see him finding immediate success against a Detroit defense this strong. Despite ongoing injuries in the secondary, the Lions proved in Week 7 that their “next man up” mentality is among the best in the NFL. Detroit’s defense will be focused on shutting down Minnesota’s star wideouts, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
McCarthy will also need his offensive line to hold firm against Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and the Lions’ revitalized pass rush. Minnesota ranks 22nd in pass block win rate at 59%. Meanwhile, Detroit’s pass rush win rate sits at just 26% overall but spiked to 68.6% in Week 7. If the Lions can sustain that kind of pressure, McCarthy could face a tough challenge getting comfortable in his return from injury.
