The Minnesota Vikings Week 13 matchup against the rival Detroit Lions could end up having serious playoff implications for Kirk Cousins and Co. While Detroit is already out of contention for the postseason, Minnesota stands to gain a lot from a win this weekend. With that in mind, we'll look at some bold predictions for the Vikings-Lions in Week 13.

The Vikings enter this one coming off a 34-26 loss to the 49ers. Prior to the Week 12 defeat, Minnesota had earned back-to-back victories over the Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay Packers. The Lions, on the other hand, are two games removed from their only non-loss of the season, a tie against the Steelers in Week 11. They followed that performance up with close-fought defeats against the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.

For more insight on the Vikings' Week 13 matchup against the Lions, listen below:

Detroit will be seeking its first win of the year and will be eager to dampen Minnesota's chances at reaching the playoffs. While the Vikings are heavily favored, the Lions will not go down without a fight.

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Minnesota Vikings Week 13 Predictions

4. Alexander Mattison rushes for over 100 yards and scores at least one touchdown

With Dalvin Cook sidelined for the rivalry matchup, the responsibility of the rushing attack for Minnesota will fall primarily on Alexander Mattison. Mattison is one of the most capable backups in the league, and against a feeble Lions' defense, he should have no problem picking up the slack left by Cook's absence. Mattison has registered double-digit carries in two games this year. Mattison rushed for 115 yards and 116 yards in those games, respectively.

Detroit's rushing defense has surrendered an average of 133.9 yards per game this season, the fourth-worst in the NFL, so there's a real reason to believe Mattison has a massive outing against the Lions. While the 23-year-old has only scored one touchdown this season, he'll be hard-pressed to find a better opportunity to add to that tally than this weekend.

3. Kirk Cousins throws for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns

Kirk Cousins is having the best season of his career in 2021, and that should continue when the Vikings head to Detroit this weekend. He's already thrown for more than 300 yards in four games this year, and a date with the Lions seems an ideal chance to make it five. The last time they faced off, Cousins threw one touchdown and one interception to go with 275 passing yards. He'll be looking for significant improvements on those numbers in their rematch.

With the ever-dangerous wide receiving tandem of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, Cousins should feel extremely confident in firing passes downfield against a feeble Lions' secondary. Detroit gave up 317 yards in the air against Andy Dalton and the Bears in Week 12, so Cousins should be able to pick apart the defense on Sunday.

2. Vikings Defense doesn't allow a touchdown

The Vikings' defense has struggled massively of late. Minnesota has failed to hold an opponent below 30 points in three of their last four games, and opponents have put up at least 20 against them in each of their past six matchups. With that said, this is a unit desperate for a bounce-back game, and a battle with Detroit could be a perfect chance to do just that.

The Lions have been held below 20 points in all but one of their games this season, including each of the past 10 weeks. A streak that long is bound to give the Vikings some confidence heading into the matchup. With D'Andre Swift likely out for the contest, the Lions' offense will be even less potent, and we're predicting the Vikings won't let them cross the goal line even a single time. Field goals are on the table, but the Vikings defense won't give up a TD in Week 13.

1. Vikings' offense will put up 40 points

Even without Cook available, the Vikings' offense is at a massive advantage over the Lions' defense. With Cousins playing some of the best ball we've ever seen from him, and Jefferson and Thielen enjoying terrific seasons, there's no reason the Viking won't run up the score in this rivalry clash. Minnesota escaped their previous clash with a two-point victory, so they'll be looking to ensure this weekend provides more of a statement wins for their fans.

The Lions will struggle to match up with the Vikings at just about every skill position, so there's a real chance the Vikings top 40 points in this one. It would be the first time all season Minnesota topped 40 points in a game, but if there was ever a week to do it, it's this one.