There are two undefeated teams left in the NFL: the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
The first of those teams is the defending Super Bowl champion. The second is a team that went 7-10 last season and lost its franchise quarterback to free agency.
The Lions will be tasked on Sunday with taking on perhaps the biggest surprise in the NFL: the 5-0 Vikings, who are riding high behind a successful quarterback reclamation project, an ability to win close games and a defense that can get to the quarterback.
Here’s a closer look at Lions-Vikings:
Darnold arrives
Sam Darnold came to Minnesota this offseason after playing for three teams, four head coaches and five offensive coordinators in six seasons in the NFL since the Jets made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2018.
Now, he may have finally found the right situation to unlock his potential. He’s posted a career-best passer rating by a wide margin (103.4) and a career-best completion percentage (63.5). He’s throwing downfield plenty – his 8.1 yards per pass attempt is top-five in the league – and his 11 touchdown passes are fourth-best in the league. (It helps to have Justin Jefferson to throw to, too)
Darnold was thought as a likely bridge quarterback when he was signed after the free agent departure of Kirk Cousins. But his play has reminded why he was a high draft pick and challenged that notion. Sound familiar, Lions fans?
Akers returns to backfield
For the second time in a little over a year, the Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers.
The Vikings traded for the veteran this week to help provide some injury insurance as starter Aaron Jones deals with a right hip injury. Jones, who has averaged 70 rushing yards per game, is considered day-to-day.
Akers totaled 147 rushing yards in five games this season in Houston. He played six games for the Vikings last season. The team also has Ty Chandler, who has carried 42 times for 147 yards this season.
Flores’ defense
Brian Flores was unable to make the playoffs in his three seasons as Miami Dolphins’ coach from 2019-21. But in his first stint as an NFL defensive coordinator, he’s proving to be plenty successful.
The Vikings’ defense sits second in the league with just 76 points allowed through five games. It’s allowed just 67 rushing yards per game while creating an NFL-best 34 hurries on pass plays using a scheme that relies heavily on players making reads and decisions.
Flores is in his second season with the Vikings. The Lions scored 30 points in two late-season wins over the Vikings last season.