The Detroit Lions are still seeking their first win of the season this Sunday when they host their division rival Minnesota Vikings. They are 0-10-1 thus far, with the tie coming against the Pittsburgh Steelers a couple of weeks ago. They have come very close to winning a bunch of games. That includes a 19-17 loss to these Vikings on a walk off 54-yard field goal by Greg Joseph.

What made that even more gut wrenching for Lions fans was the fact that Detroit had just scored a touchdown with 37 seconds remaining. Instead of kicking the extra point, they went for two and the win. They got it. That was supposed to be it. But it was all for naught.

Now the Lions have a shot at revenge this Sunday in Detroit.

Here are my 4 bold predictions for the Lions vs the Vikings.

*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Lions Week 13 Predictions vs Vikings

4. Jamaal Williams will have over 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown

One of the key off-season acquisitions for the Lions was running back Jamaal Williams. They had watched him for a few years in Green Bay perform like a starter, despite backing up Aaron Jones. The emergence of 2nd year running back D'Andre Swift once again relegated Williams to the bench.

Well, Williams will finally get the chance to shine. Swift was ruled out earlier Friday with a shoulder injury. Lions head coach said that Swift is at least a week away from returning. That gives Williams bell cow usage in this game against Minnesota.

The Vikings front seven are banged up, and not all that good even when healthy. The Vikings have the third worst rush defense in the NFL this season.

Williams should see the vast majority of snaps as he is as good a pass catcher as he is a runner. I look for Williams to rush for close to 100 yards and add some receiving yards as well, looking like the player we saw in Green Bay.

3. The Detroit defense will limit the Vikings offense

One thing that has been overlooked the last few weeks is how well the Lions defense has been playing. Over the last three weeks, Detroit has given up an average of 15 points per game. They didn't do that vs offenses as good as Minnesota's. But they were run first offenses in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Chicago.

The Vikings, despite having two elite receivers, are still a run first offense.

In the earlier matchup this season, Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen was held to just two catches. The Viking were without Dalvin Cook and they will again this week following his shoulder injury in Week 12.

The Lions defense should do enough to keep Detroit in the game.

2. Tight end T.J. Hockenson will score again for the Lions

Detroit Lions' T.J. Hockenson's production has been very inconsistent this year. The third year tight end is on pace for his best statistical season yet, but it hasn't felt like he has had as much of an impact.

He has 57 catches for 534 yards this season, but with only three touchdowns. He found pay dirt last week against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.

The Viking have typically been tough on tight ends. But with Swift, arguably the best pass catcher on the team, out this week, I wouldn't be surprised to see Hockenson have a big role in the offense.

The starting wide receivers for Detroit are Josh Reynolds, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond. Not exactly household names on the outside.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Lions, Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes contract, Dan Campbell contract, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes with Lions stadium in the background

Matt Wadleigh ·

Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Eminem, and Aidan Hutchinson

Benedetto Vitale ·

Dan Campbell trades out

Nayan Brahmbhatt ·

The Vikings lead the NFL with 33 sacks, so Lions quarterback Jared Goff will have to get the ball out quickly. That could mean a lot of short passes over the middle to Hockenson, one of which will come in the end zone.

1. The Lions will hold another 2nd half lead

It is very difficult to go winless during an NFL season. During the Super Bowl era, only the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14), the 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16) and the 2017 Cleveland Browns (0-16) have done so.

It would make sense for Detroit to win at least one game before the season ends. I seriously doubt it would come against the Cardinals or Packers, or at Mile High Stadium against the Broncos.

That leaves this game, and games against the Seahawks and Falcons as possibilities. The Lions almost pulled off the upset against Minnesota earlier this year. They can play with this team and I think they will hang around for at least a half.

Ultimately, they don't have enough playmakers and will drop to 0-11-1. But it will be another close shave, which sets them up for eventually getting over that hump.