The Minnesota Vikings’ playoff hopes are heavily dependent on their ability to stop Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. In their previous matchup, Gibbs torched the Vikings for 170 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, helping the Lions secure a 31-9 victory and the NFC’s top playoff seed ¹.

Gibbs has been a thorn in the Vikings’ side, with a history of success against the team. In two matchups last season, Gibbs accumulated 330 total yards and scored six touchdowns, including a 25-yard run in the second half of their Week 18 matchup. The Vikings’ defense has struggled to contain Gibbs, and they’ll need to find a way to stop him if they hope to advance in the playoffs ².

Key Challenges for the Vikings

– Stopping Gibbs’ elusiveness: Gibbs’ ability to break tackles and gain extra yards has been a major concern for the Vikings. He averages 5.1 yards per carry and has 3.7 yards before contact, making him a formidable opponent ³.

– Limiting Gibbs’ touches: The Vikings will need to limit Gibbs’ opportunities to make plays. In their previous matchup, Gibbs had 28 touches, including 23 carries and five receptions ².

– Defensive front performance: The Vikings’ defensive front has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They’ll need to improve their pass rush to disrupt the Lions’ offense.

Vikings’ Defensive Strategy

The Vikings’ defense will need to be creative in their approach to stop Gibbs and the Lions’ offense. Some potential strategies include ³:

– Using heavy packages: The Vikings have found success using heavy packages against opposing offenses. By adding extra linemen or linebackers to the box, they may be able to slow down Gibbs and limit his opportunities.

– Assigning a spy: The Vikings could assign a defensive back or linebacker to shadow Gibbs and limit his touches.

– Pressuring the quarterback: The Vikings’ pass rush will need to step up and generate pressure on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. This could force Goff to make quick decisions and limit the Lions’ scoring opportunities.

The Vikings’ ability to stop Gibbs will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. If they can find a way to limit his production, they may be able to secure a victory and advance in the playoffs. However, if Gibbs continues to dominate, the Vikings may find themselves on the outside looking in ³.