Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday’s game between the Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit (1 p.m., Fox/97.1).

▶ Nolan Bianchi: The Vikings appeared to hit rock bottom their last time out, while the Lions are flying high after getting healthy following an emphatic win over the Buccaneers. This would normally be a spot where I’m looking at Minnesota to get off the mat, but with J.J. McCarthy set to make just his third career start, I’m not so sure that’s on the docket. Kelvin Sheppard’s defense is going to make McCarthy mighty uncomfortable. Detroit’s offense, meanwhile, has a legit test — but against a defense it’s historically owned, I think a multi-score victory is in store for the Lions. Pick: Lions, 35-10

▶ John Niyo: The bye week has been kind to the Lions lately: They’ve scored a combined 88 points in road wins over the Chargers and Cowboys after their break the last two years. Jared Goff also has thrived with extra rest, and it’s his experience that is a big reason for the Lions’ recent success against the Vikings. Since coming to Detroit, he’s 8-0 against the spread when facing Minnesota. The Vikings waited until J.J. McCarthy was fully healthy to throw him back in the fire, and it’s no accident both his starting tackles likely will be back from injury as well. But even if the Vikings’ offense finds a rhythm Sunday, it won’t be enough to keep pace. Pick: Lions, 34-24

▶ Richard Silva: Any offense featuring Justin Jefferson is liable to pop off at a moment’s notice, but the Vikings have scored more than 22 points only once since Week 2, and the one exception (48 points in Week 3) came against Cincinnati Bengals defense allowing a league-worst 31.6 points per game. J.J. McCarthy presents a higher ceiling than Carson Wentz, but I’m expecting defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s unit to handle McCarthy, who is making his third career start. As for the other side of the ball, Jared Goff has picked apart Minnesota’s defense in his last four meetings, notching a passer rating of 110.5. Pick: Lions, 31-20

▶ Bob Wojnowski: The Lions have handled their division rivals quite well lately, winning five straight. This might be a good time to catch them again, with Minnesota (3-4) going back to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy after a five-game absence. The former Michigan star had two starts before suffering an ankle sprain and was dynamic in one, dreary in the other. The Vikings’ offensive line and running game have been spotty, which means they might use McCarthy’s legs a bit. That’s probably fine with the Lions’ defense and Aidan Hutchinson, who wouldn’t mind meeting his former UM teammate in the backfield a few times. Vikings DC Brian Flores loves to blitz and Jared Goff loves to beat the blitz. The Lions want to be more explosive, so expect Goff to look for Jameson Williams deep. This won’t be the same as the 31-9 blowout last year, but coming off a bye, the Lions will be primed. Pick: Lions, 30-16

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