NFL 2025 Week 9: Minnesota Vikings Look for Reset Against the Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings fans are on the verge of panic at this point in the season.
This season has been incredibly disappointing. The Vikings’ 3-4 record is far from what was expected and even further from their outstanding 14-3 record last year. This roster only seemed to get better in the offseason as it built a system to make quarterback J.J. McCarthy a winner, but injuries, turnover struggles, and inconsistency have hampered efforts to dominate.
Week 9 presents a chance to reset that narrative and reframe expectations. A win in McCarthy’s first game since his ankle injury in Week 2 could drown out the pain of backup QB Carson Wentz’s brutal play in place of McCarthy, all while Wentz was battling an injury of his own. A loss, however, could send the Vikings to a 3-5 record, putting them in an uphill battle against one of the toughest remaining schedules in the NFL.
With so much at stake in this matchup, there are plenty of storylines in play. Here are just a few to look for during the Vikings’ dogfight in Detroit.
Keys to the Game for KOC’s Crew:
How Will McCarthy Look in His Return?
McCarthy had a tale of two completely different weeks before his injury, going from NFC Offensive Player of the Week in a Week 1 comeback to a 6-22 loss that saw him throw for under 160 yards and 2 INTs. The offensive line protecting him will still be banged up, with star tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill questionable and starting center Ryan Kelly still on IR, but McCarthy produced more with even fewer of the starters in Week 1. He has to produce quickly in the NFL, or he could find himself with a “bust” status that no QB ever wants to find themselves attached to.
He’s facing a Lions squad that’s firing on all cylinders, but he has no excuses now. It’s time to produce or face losing his starting spot once again.
Can the Vikings Defense Play a Complete Game?
The Vikings are a dangerous defense, but they’ve had some weaknesses this season. They had a top 10 pass defense coming into the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, but they were one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. When they committed to the run against the Eagles, QB Jalen Hurts threw over their heads time and time again in a 300+ yard and three-passing-TDs performance. Week 8 was a total offensive failure, as the defense allowed the Los Angeles Chargers to score 37 points and rack up 419 total yards on offense.
This defense needs to learn to stop both the pass and run. Brian Flores will have to deal with a Lions offense that is top 10 in total yards per game and rushing yards per game, along with being third in points per game so far this season. The Jahmyr Gibbs-David Montgomery RB duo is as scary as ever. Their only weakness seems to be fumbling the football, which they’ve done 7 times while rushing. If ball hawks like Isaiah Rodgers can punch the pill loose, the Vikings have a chance to keep the Lions offense in check.
Time to Tame the Lions
The Vikings are underdogs headed into this matchup, which is right where they want to be. If they can sneak attack the Lions and pin them before their offense gets going, the Vikings can snag a crucial win for both their playoff and divisional crown hopes. It’s time to reclaim their fire or let it die out in another disappointing season. Let’s hope they light the torch on their path to the playoffs this Sunday.