The Minnesota Vikings are looking to win their third straight game this week against the Detroit Lions. Taking care of business against the NFC North is an incredibly valuable thing to do. Getting a big win over the Lions is exactly the kind of thing the doctor ordered for Minnesota.
Kirk Cousins and the passing game have turned things on over the last couple of weeks. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are back on track and the Vikings also have one of the league's most dangerous running backs in Dalvin Cook.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at two major X-Factors for the Vikings this week against Detroit.
Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback
First up, the Vikings are going to need a big game from their defense and it will all start with star cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Matthew Stafford is a dangerous quarterback and wide receiver Kenny Golladay has been having an impressive year. Rhodes is going to be given the tall task of shadowing him.
If the Vikings want to come away with a win, they will need Rhodes to have a good game. Forcing a turnover or two will be a major key. While Rhodes isn't the only player that will dictate that side of things, he is certainly one of the players who needs to step up and make the plays when the opportunity arises.
Kyle Rudolph, Tight End
The other player who will play a major X-Factor role this week for the Vikings is tight end Kyle Rudolph. He has been unable to make a major difference this season after signing a contract extension in the offseason. So far this year, he has caught just nine passes for 72 yards.
Rudolph has a great skill-set, but the Vikings need to focus on getting him going. Thielen and Diggs have finally figured things out with Cousins and now it's Rudolph's turn. If he can come through with a big performance and get his season back on track, the Vikings are going to be a much tougher offense to slow down.
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