Playoff Moves: 5 Keys for the Lions to Defeat Minnesota in Week 17 NFC North
The Detroit Lions (8-7) are set to face the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) in a critical Week 17 NFC North showdown on Christmas Day. Unlike their first matchup earlier this season, this Week 17 preview will focus on what worked, what didn’t, and the adjustments needed for the Lions to secure a win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 keys to a Lions victory in Week 17.
Key 1: Establish the Duo Run Game
Week 9 recap: The Lions rushed 20 times for only 65 yards (3.3 yards per carry), with just three runs behind a true Duo blocking scheme. Outside zone plays struggled against the speed of Minnesota’s defense.
What’s changed: Detroit’s rushing attack is struggling, coming off a 15-yard performance on 12 attempts in their last game. With tight end injuries, the Lions have occasionally used a sixth offensive lineman (Dan Skipper) in jumbo sets, but these were abandoned late in recent games.
Adjustment for Week 17: To dominate the Vikings, the Lions should reintroduce Duo blocking schemes and jumbo sets with Skipper early in the game. Establishing the run will set up play-action opportunities and keep Minnesota’s defense off balance.
Key 2: Beat the Blitz and Win One-on-Ones
Week 9 recap: The Lions faced pressure on over half of their pass attempts (20 pressures, 5 sacks). Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ “Cross-Dog” blitzes disrupted Detroit’s passing game, forcing running back Jahmyr Gibbs to stay in as a blocker rather than a pass-catcher.
What’s changed: Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard is on IR, with Dallas Turner stepping in. Minnesota still leads the NFL with a 41.3% pressure rate.
Adjustment for Week 17: Quarterback Jared Goff must make quick reads and utilize receivers effectively to counter the blitz. Tight ends and backs must chip and block as needed, while receivers exploit one-on-one matchups. Execution and minimizing mistakes are critical.
Key 3: Attack the Middle of the Field
Week 9 recap: The Lions successfully targeted the middle with Sam LaPorta (6 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (9 receptions, 97 yards).
What’s changed: LaPorta is on IR, but Jameson Williams has emerged as a dynamic middle-field threat, complementing St. Brown’s playmaking. Williams has 655 receiving yards on in-breaking routes this season, averaging 15.9 yards per target.
Adjustment for Week 17: Utilize St. Brown and Williams over the middle to exploit blitz-heavy coverage. Detroit leads the NFL in yards after catch (YAC), making quick passes over the middle a key advantage.
Key 4: Contain Minnesota QB Max Brosmer
Week 9 recap: Detroit contained Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy with a “Baker/Lamar treatment,” holding him to 12 rushing yards on 9 carries while sacking him 5 times and forcing an interception.
What’s changed: McCarthy is injured. UDFA rookie Max Brosmer will start, with limited experience (31 completions on 47 attempts, 4 interceptions).
Adjustment for Week 17: Apply relentless pressure on Brosmer to force mistakes. Disrupt his comfort in the pocket, while balancing attention between containing the run and pressuring the QB. Rookie QBs are prone to turnovers under consistent pressure.
Key 5: Bracket Justin Jefferson
Week 9 recap: Jefferson caught 6 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, while other Vikings receivers struggled.
What’s changed: Brosmer’s limited downfield passing ability reduces Jefferson’s deep-threat impact. Jefferson has just a 27.8% catch rate on deep targets this season.
Adjustment for Week 17: Roll extra coverage into the box to stop the run, while focusing on getting pressure on Brosmer. Bracketing Jefferson is lower priority than forcing mistakes from the inexperienced QB.
Bottom Line:
For the Detroit Lions to beat the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, they must:
- Re-establish a dominant rushing attack.
- Neutralize the blitz and win one-on-one matchups.
- Attack the middle of the field with St. Brown and Williams.
- Pressure and contain rookie QB Max Brosmer.
- Strategically bracket Justin Jefferson while prioritizing pass rush.
Following these five keys will give the Lions the best chance to secure a crucial Christmas Day victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.
