Vikings vs. Lions Preview: Minnesota chases 7-0 start against Lions, and Brian Flores’ defense already has a blueprint to slow down Detroit

The undefeated Minnesota Vikings aim to improve to a 7-0 record as they face the Detroit Lions. Tyler Forness highlights defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit, which ranks first in the NFL in EPA per play allowed (-0.19) and success rate allowed (37.4%), as the decisive factor in containing Detroit's top-tier offense led by Jared Goff.

Forness points out that Minnesota previously limited running back Jahmyr Gibbs by utilizing heavy base defense and aggressive blitzing to force protection issues. While quarterback Kyler Murray and the Vikings' offense have struggled statistically this season, the article argues they have an opportunity to rebound against a Detroit defense that ranks 30th in EPA per play allowed.