How Serious a Threat Are Vikings to Lions?

Evaluating the threat Minnesota poses to Detroit in the NFC North.

The Detroit Lions are currently the consensus favorite in the NFC North.

As unfathomable as that would have sounded in years past, the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell has built the team into a legitimate contender. 

If the Lions are going to claim the division, they'll need to go through the Minnesota Vikings. The reigning champions of the NFC North are in an interesting position heading into the 2023 campaign. 

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is in his final year of guaranteed money, while wide receiver Justin Jefferson is on the verge of a large extension. 

The offense was one of the league's most explosive at times last season. Meanwhile, the defense was exposed late in the year. 

Ultimately, the Vikings' season ended on a sour note, when they were upset by the New York Giants in the Wild Card round. 

Here's a look at where the Vikings stand heading into 2023. 

What to know

2022 record: 13-4

Record vs DET: 1-1, 28-24 W (9.25.22), 34-23 L (12.11.22)

The Lions led for most of the first meeting. A coaching mistake led to a late score for Minnesota, ultimately dooming Detroit in what was a winnable, early-season game. 

Revenge was served later in the year. Detroit's offense was humming in the second matchup. The Lions punted just twice, and amassed 464 yards of total offense. 

Head coach: Kevin O'Connell (Second season: 13-4)

2022 team stats: 24.9 PPG (7th), 361.5 YPG (7th), 25.1 PAPG (T-30th), 388.7 YAPG (31st)

Key additions

• CB Byron Murphy
• DE Marcus Davenport
• LB Troy Reeder
• DL Dean Lowry
• WR Brandon Powell 
• TE Josh Oliver

The Vikings have been relatively quiet through the free-agency process. Rather than spend big on outside talent, they've committed to keeping their own. 

Running back Alexander Mattison received a two-year extension, so a bigger role may be in store for him next season. 

A year after their secondary struggled to contain opposing passers, they've made multiple additions. Murphy and Joejuan Williams are corners who will be in the mix to start right away. 

Davenport is an experienced pass-rusher who will help the defensive line, while Lowry could help to anchor the run-stopping efforts.  

The Vikings kept their special teams unit intact by bringing back kicker Greg Joseph and long-snapper Andrew DePaola.

Other notable re-signings include center Garrett Bradbury, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard and offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh. 

Key departures

• WR Adam Thielen (Carolina Panthers)
• DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Cleveland Browns)
• CB Patrick Peterson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
• LB Eric Kendricks (Los Angeles Chargers)
• TE Irv Smith Jr. (Cincinnati Bengals)

Thielen was an excellent story for the Vikings. He made the team as an undrafted free agent, and became one of the best receivers in the division. 

Yet, with Jefferson on the verge of an extension, the Vikings parted ways with the veteran. Tomlinson, Peterson and Kendricks are all key defensive players who will be missed.

Oliver will replace Smith, who departed to join the Bengals and struggled with injuries during his tenure with the Vikings. 

Draft picks

• WR Jordan Addison (1-23)
• CB Mekhi Blackmon (3-102)
• S Jay Ward (4-134)
• NT Jaquelin Roy (5-141)
• QB Jaren Hall (5-164)
• RB DeWayne McBride (7-222)

The Vikings wasted no time replacing Thielen. Addison, who was the top receiver on some draft boards, could wind up being a steal as he was the fourth receiver taken. 

Blackmon won't be expected to replicate Peterson's performance right away, as the signing of Murphy will offer insurance at the position. 

Hall is an intriguing pick who was reportedly a favorite of several coaching staffs. He's a versatile athlete, with a good arm. 

The Vikings brought back Nick Mullens to backup Cousins, so there will be competition for the second spot. 

McBride was added with the potential of becoming the team's third running back behind Mattison and Dalvin Cook.