Lions play Vikings in meaningful game on holiday for change
The Detroit cornerback can’t wait to play on Thanksgiving with a lot at stake for a change.
The Lions will have a featured game on the holiday as usual, continuing a tradition that dates to 1934, but it will be very significant to them in the standings, unlike many matchups over the past two-plus decades.
Detroit (6-4) hosts the Vikings (6-4) in a matchup of first-place teams in the NFC North.
If the Lions beat Minnesota for the second time this month and sweep the season series, they would win the head-to-head tiebreaker if both teams are tied at the end of the regular season.
“You can’t help but think about that,” said Detroit receiver Golden Tate, who flipped into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown in overtime at Minnesota in Week 9.
The Lions limited receiver Stefon Diggs to a season-low 6.15 yards per catch in the previous meeting, but he set a career high with 13 receptions.
The native of Newaygo, Mich., played at NCAA Division II Michigan Tech and went undrafted before stints with the Dolphins and Cowboys.