The Sports Xchange

Detroit Lions (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Sam Rosen, Kirk Morrison, Peter Schrager

*Keys to the game: Adrian Peterson’s first home game in more than a year has the 30-year-old running back itching for redemption, especially after being held to 31 yards on 10 carries in Week 1 at San Francisco. Head coach Mike Zimmer won’t let Peterson be a complete afterthought against the Lions, but Detroit’s woes against the Chargers’ passing game cost them a win last week. That fact keeps some of the spotlight on QB Teddy Bridgewater, who looked antsy with pressure in his face behind an offensive line with two overwhelmed backups thrust into starting roles.

The Lions can protect QB Matthew Stafford better, but he has won three of four against the Vikings by airing it out, challenging cornerbacks in single coverage of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Detroit can pan the Week 1 film of the Vikings’ defeat to the 49ers and glean a few weak spots exist in the back seven when facing a decisive runner. Using rookie Ameer Abdullah (199 total yards Week 1) and Joique Bell in tandem in the first quarter could yield massive passing windows for Stafford come the second half.

*Matchup to watch – Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes: Height and muscle help Rhodes combat bigger receivers. If he can redirect Johnson off the line, he has a chance. If not, bombs away, and Johnson has 19 catches for 315 yards and three scores in his last two trips to Minnesota.

*Player spotlight – Vikings C Joe Berger: Losing John Sullivan is going to mean more shotgun formation, but the A and B gap pressure was constant at San Francisco. The Lions aren’t scared to blitz and might not have to with NT Haloti Ngata slanted over Berger.

*Fast facts: Stafford has not thrown multiple TD passes in three consecutive starts vs. Vikings. … Peterson and Johnson have combined for 20,665 yards in their careers.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Minnesota spent the week “soul searching” and got an earful from coach Mike Zimmer. The Vikings come out with energy, riding Adrian Peterson to win a close game.

*Our pick: Vikings 24-23.