Five things to watch: Vikings vs. Lions.

Today, the Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota in hopes of defeating the Vikings or drawing even, which would give them their first division title in thirty years.

Given that the Vikings are still in the running for the NFC North championship and the postseason, it won't be simple. With a victory over Detroit today, a victory over Green Bay the following week, and the hope that Detroit loses to Dallas, they may maintain their aspirations of winning the division. That would set up a winner-take-all division game in Detroit come Week 18.

At U.S. Bank Stadium today, a lot is at stake. Five items to be aware of in today's encounter are as follows:

1. A HOSTILE SETTLEMENT:

If you're an NFL fan who enjoys visiting fantastic venues, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis ought to be at the top of your list. One of the best NFL atmospheres may be found in this stunning stadium.

The significance of the game and the Vikings' participation in a "Vikings Winter Whiteout," in which supporters are encouraged to wear white and players don white uniforms, are the main reasons for the increased excitement today.

Kevin O'Connell, the head coach of Minnesota, stated this week, "Our home crowd can be electric for us this weekend."

Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, is accepting the challenge.

"Yes, observe; this is going to be a challenging atmosphere," Campbell remarked. "Traveling by car Watching crossover footage has allowed Minnesota, which has a fantastic defense, to make a few offensive adjustments. That being said, this will not be simple. Defending last year's NFC North champions.

"But, man, there's no other way we would have it. We have a chance to obtain the next one, so we will be anticipating it. Go out there on the road in a challenging atmosphere. We therefore completed the necessary tasks today against a strong squad to reach 10 victories, and we now need to figure out how to get 11.

2. Brian Flores vs. Ben Johnson:

The two coordinators have performed incredibly well with each of their units throughout the entire year. In terms of total offense (third), scoring (fifth), rushing (second), and throwing (fourth), Johnson has the Lions rated in the top five. Under Flores' direction, Minnesota's defense is now eighth against the run (92.0) and seventh in the league regarding points allowed (19.5).

Flores has an original plan. Not only do the Vikings have the highest blitz percentage in the NFL—nearly 50 percent—but they also have the most drops into coverage—eight to be exact.

This week, Johnson responded, "Yeah, it's the two extremes." When it comes to offensive situations, our overall mindset is to say, 'Hey, they're either max-coverage or max-pressure.'" In the red zone, many teams do it, but Flores has kind of taken that to an unprecedented degree. any moment, at any time. This week, it's been enjoyable to analyze their defense."

3. ROOKIE SHOWCASE:

First-year players for the Vikings and Lions are both having a significant influence on their clubs.

The combined total of 18 touchdowns by Detroit's rookie class—tight end Sam LaPorta (9), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (8), and cornerback Brian Branch (1)—is the third-highest since the team relocated to Detroit in 1934.

4. POWER WITHIN POWER:

While there are many exciting matchups on the field today, Lions right tackle Penei Sewell vs. Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter is arguably the most significant for both teams. In 14 games, Sewell has only given up one sack and ten rushes. Out of all NFL tackles, he has the lowest pressure percentage (2.8).

With 15.5 sacks, Hunter leads the Vikings and trails just T.J. Watt of Pittsburgh in the NFL. He has at least one sack in eleven of the Vikings' fourteen games this season.

5. USE MISTAKES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:

With 26 turnovers this year, Minnesota is ranked 30th in the NFL. With only the New York Jets (15) having more fumbles than them, their 14 are the second-highest in the league. They are sixth in terms of interceptions with 12. Today, Nick Mullens will start for the Vikings at quarterback. Last week, in an overtime loss that saw the Vikings lose by three points, Mullens threw two interceptions at the 14 and 22-yard lines in Cincinnati. Throughout his starting career, he is 5-13 with 29 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

The Lions must seize all opportunities they have to produce takeaways, and there is a considerable possibility they will. Detroit is 24th in the NBA with 15 takeaways so far this season.