Before Week 7 against the Lions, the Vikings’ starter makes a big statement

The Detroit Lions (4-1) will visit the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) in a huge game that could decide the division and conference. It’s certain that the Minnesota crowd will be going crazy all afternoon.

As of now, Minnesota had hoped to be fully healthy since they had a week off. One of their most important stars had something to say about that.

Vikings starter makes big news before Week 7 against Detroit

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) catches the ball against New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

According to the reporter Trevor Squire:

On October 16, beat writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune Ben Goessling said that Jones’ injury was a hamstring, not a hip. This was shown on the first public injury report since the Jets game.

Jones told reporters in his home country that he felt the injury during warm-ups and in London. He thought he’d be fine until he was taken out of the game after the first quarter.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs onto the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings won the game, 31-29.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

“I think, ‘I feel pretty good.'” Jones told the Star Tribune, “Maybe this thing is gone.” “Then I felt it as the game went on.” Things don’t always go as planned. I thought I was well on my way to having a good day at that game. The game was still won, and I didn’t hurt myself any more.

Jones’ injury was called “week-to-week” by head coach Kevin O’Connell before the team’s break.

Jones had a “light” workout on Monday, October 14, but he didn’t go to practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, October 17, he went back to some of practice.

The Vikings have taken steps to improve their running back group by moving for Cam Akers from the Houston Texans this week. This past season, Akers played for the Vikings, and he is ready to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Minnesota’s offense looks very different when Jones is in the game. The way defenders play has to change a lot because of his threat in the run game.

The most important game of the season so far is this weekend. It will be interesting to see if he can play.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 31-29.

Prediction and Team Selections for October 20, 2024: Lions vs. Vikings

Writer: Adam RauzinoAs of October 17, 2024, last updatedStart of Game: 1:00 PM EST

On Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings (5-0, 5-0 ATS, 1-4 O/U) and the Detroit Lions (4-1, 4-1 ATS, 2-3 O/U) square off in an NFC North game. After defeating the Cowboys on the road, the Lions are now 4-1. The Vikings beat the Jets to maintain their perfect record. Last season, Detroit has a 2-0 record against the rivals.

Detroit Lights Up with a Commanding Road Win

The Detroit Lions want to win four games in a row. Tampa Bay handed Detroit their lone loss of the season, although a close one. Since then, they’ve won three straight, including a thrilling 42-29 victory at home against the Seahawks in the fourth week. In week five, the team was given an early bye. Detroit, which was set as 4.5-point favorites, defeated the Cowboys 47-9 on the road last week. They have been a dependable team this season, starting every game except one.

Jared Goff has found his rhythm after a slow start to the season. The seasoned quarterback passed for 315 yards last week and 292 yards in the victory against the Seahawks. This season, Goff has amassed 1330 throwing yards and an 8:4 touchdown to interception ratio.

Detroit have a strong running attack. Jammer Gibbs and David Montgomery are dangerous. Gibbs has 348 running yards this season and has gained at least 80 yards on two occasions. In three of the last five games, Montgomery has gathered at least 80 yards, totaling 351 yards. Amon Ra St. Brown’s output has decreased from the previous season. The wide receiver, 24, has 289 receiving yards to his credit. Among the finest offenses is Detroit’s. Each game, they are averaging 416 yards.

There has been some progress in the Lions defense from the previous campaign. After giving up 516 yards against a strong Seattle attack, the team responded by holding Dallas to only 251 yards. They suffered a terrible hit when Aiden Hutchinson injured his leg and missed the whole season. The Lions’ rush defense is strong, ranking third, but their pass defense has been exposed at times, ranking 28th.

Detroit leads the NFL in scoring, averaging 30.2 points this season. They rank ninth because they give up 18.2 points per game on average.

Minnesota Is Still Unbeaten

The NFL’s most unexpected club is still the Minnesota Vikings. They are the NFC’s only unbeaten team. Minnesota has triumphed over several excellent teams, including the Packers, Texans, and 49ers. In week five, the Vikings defeated the Jets 23-17 in a game where the Vikings were set as 2.5-point favorites. Last week was their farewell. This season, the Vikings have covered in all five of their games.

This is Sam Darnold’s greatest season to date. With 181 yards or less in two of his last three games, the 27-year-old quarterback has somewhat cooled down. Darnold has an 11:4 touchdown to interception ratio and 1111 throwing yards. During the Jets victory, Aaron Jones sustained an injury. With 350 rushing yards this season, the 29-year-old running back is enjoying a fantastic year.In this game, Justin Jefferson is an important player. With the exception of one game, the standout receiver has at least 80 yards received in each of his 450 receiving yards. In three out of the last five games, the Minnesota offense has scored 30 points. Their average distance is 323 yards.

The Vikings’ greatest asset has been their defense. In their most recent game, they limited the Jets to only 254 total yards, including 218 passing yards. With the exception of one game in the defeat to Green Bay, they have given up 17 points or less in every game. It is possible to overcome the pass defense, which ranks 30th, but the rush defense ranks second.

Minnesota is ranked sixth with an average of 27.8 points. They are ranked fifth because they are limiting opponents to an average of only 15.2 points.