The Minnesota Vikings have their first matchup of the year against the only team to sweep them in 2024, the Detroit Lions. The Vikings had three losses last season and can avenge two of them with a win on Sunday against one of the toughest teams in the NFL.

The Vikings will be trotting out their franchise quarterback now that he is back from his injured ankle. J.J. McCarthy has a lot to prove on Sunday, as the pressure of the world will be on him as he faces a stiff test from the Lions’ defense. The health of the Vikings’ offensive line will go a long way to helping him, as they have yet to be a complete unit for a game in which he is under center. Also looking to heal is the defense, which may get back star pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. He has played sparingly this year, but when he is on the field, he is a difference maker, and they need that in Week 9.

Here is our preview of the Vikings matchup with the Lions.

Where to watch/listen to Vikings vs. LionsGame time: 1:00 p.m. EST/ Noon CSTTV Channel: FOXMinnesota Vikings 2025 statsOffensive yards per game: 321.1Defensive yards allowed per game: 334.4Points scored per game: 22.1Points allowed per game: 23.1Detroit Lions 2025 statsOffensive yards per game: 367.1Defensive yards allowed per game: 320.6Points scored per game: 30.7Points allowed per game: 21.6Head coaching matchup

Vikings

Kevin O’Connell (36-21, in his fourth season with the team)

Lions

Dan Campbell (49-37-1, in his second season with the team)Notable offseason moves

Notable Vikings offseason moves

Javon Hargrave, Defensive TackleJonathan Allen, Defensive TackleWill Fries, GuardRyan Kelly, CenterJordan Mason, Running Back

Notable Lions offseason moves

D.J. Reed, CornerbackRoy Lopez, Defensive LinemanGrant Stuard, LinebackerAvonte Maddox, CornerbackMinnesota Vikings rookies to watchDonovan Jackson, GuardTai Felton, Wide ReceiverTyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Defensive Line