1. Unleash Ameer Abdullah
The Lions have a new offensive weapon in Abdullah, and he can hurt the Vikings in several different ways. He should be employed as a ball-carrier, pass-catcher and kick-returner on Sunday, as he was last weekend when he accumulated 199 all-purpose yards against the San Diego Chargers. Abdullah is an electric rookie, and he could turn out to be the difference in this game.
2. Target Calvin Johnson often
In a losing effort versus the Chargers in Week 1, Johnson was targeted only four times and caught just two passes for 39 yards. Detroit's best player can't go ignored for a second straight game; quarterback Matthew Stafford must find ways to get Megatron the ball. He should lead the Lions in all major receiving categories this week.
3. Take control of the game
After building a 21-3 lead over the Chargers last weekend, the Lions lost control of the game and ended up losing, 33-28. Detroit ran 27 fewer plays (47 to 74) and was dominated in time of possession (21:48 to 38:12). Lions head coach Jim Caldwell must capture momentum in Minnesota and harness it throughout the game. Otherwise, he's risking another meltdown.
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VIKINGS:
1. Get Adrian Peterson going
The Vikings never got Peterson in a rhythm during their embarrassing loss to the San Francisco 49ers Monday night. He carried the ball only 10 times for 31 yards, as Minnesota's offense failed to ignite. Peterson must get his motor started early so the entire unit can finally find its groove against the Lions.
2. Tighten up against the run
San Francisco's Carlos Hyde ran all over Minnesota's defense, paving the way for a blowout. The Lions have a stable of talented running backs, and the Vikings don't seem prepared to stop them. Gerald Hodges is still getting used to the starting middle linebacker role; Minnesota is counting on him and several others to improve against the run.
3. Convert on third down
The Vikings were terrible on third downs in Week 1. They converted 1-of-9 third-down attempts against the 49ers (on top of that, they were 0-for-2 on fourth down). Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater must take command of his floundering offense and find a way to keep the chains moving. It's the only way Minnesota is going to put up points.
