The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions face off at 1 p.m. ET in one of the few division rivalries of the day. Can the Vikings surprise again in 2013? Can the Lions bounce back from a horrific 2012 campaign? Watch this matchup from Week 1 of the 2013 NFL season.
This might be one of the highest scoring affairs of the week. The Lions' Matthew Stafford has one of the biggest arms in the game and he's accompanied by one of the best receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson. Reggie Bush isn't the best talent in the back field, but he can bring another option on offense. However, when it comes to the ground game, the Vikings have the overwhelming advantage.
Adrian Peterson obviously has to be healthy. His 2,097 rushing yards in 2013 almost took him straight to the record books. With Peterson's success in 2012, the Vikings were able to make a playoff appearances after winning a spot in the NFC Wild Card. Though that run didn't last long, the Vikings placed themselves as a favorite in the NFC North standings.
The NFC North was supposed to be a race between the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Lions. However, with a 10-6 season and pivotal victories, going 4-2 against the division, the Vikings were able to sneak into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Lions finished in last place in the NFC, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the league's worst record in 2012. Johnson wound up in the record books, but the Lions were far from competing in 2013.
One thing is true, if the Lions can fix their defensive issues and the Vikings can add a better passing game to Peterson's shattering run game, then both teams will lock up for some classic meetings this season.
Click here for the Lions vs. Vikings live stream. Kick off is at 1 p.m. ET.
