MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-2)	WEEK 7	DETROIT LIONS (1-5)
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Here are the ground rules for the Game Threads:

-Thou shalt not link illegal feeds of today's game, or I shall kick thy arse to the curb until the game is over. Do not promote then, do not mention them, do not even hint at them. Thou hast been warned.

-Thou shalt make an attempt to keep the swearing to a minimum. Understandable that it will slip occasionally, but do try to limit it. If you really feel the need to curse, use the spoiler tags to keep it covered up. We'll get the sentiment.

-Thou shalt not feed the trolls. Rather, thou shall simply point them out, and they shall be banished to the fires of Mordor. Or Wisconsin. Whichever we feel is more harsh at the time.

-Thou shalt not engage in racist, sexist, or other such insulting rhetoric. Somebody disagreeing with you does not make them racist or sexist. It means they disagree with you. Talk it out like adults.

-Thou shalt not bait the fans of other teams into trolling.

-Basically, thou shalt not be a jackwagon in the game thread.

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for Minnesota Vikings football! This is the second half of this season's divisional battle against the Detroit Lions, and it's an opportunity for the Vikings to double the number of NFC North victories that they had last season.

So, how can the Vikings go about accomplishing that feat?

1) Continue to knock Matthew Stafford around - Despite only registering one sack in the Week 2 victory at TCF Bank Stadium, the Vikings hit Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford numerous times, and generally made life miserable for him and the rest of the Lions' offense. Stafford was able to get the Detroit offense going last week because he had time to find his targets for big plays, and the Vikings need to prevent that from happening. Despite the absence of Sharrif Floyd in this one, Minnesota should still be able to get pressure on Stafford and hopefully help him add to his NFL-leading total of ten interceptions.

2) Be smart with the football - The last time these two teams played, Adrian Peterson put the ball on the ground three times (one of which was negated by a penalty), including one in a goal-to-go situation. The Vikings have generally avoided turnovers this season, while the Lions lead the NFL in turnovers through the first six weeks of the season. Minnesota can't give Detroit additional opportunities and short fields if they want to come out on top in this one.

3) Be physical on defense - The Lions don't seem to like the Vikings' style of play on defense, from complaining about the physical nature of cornerback Xavier Rhodes to receiver Golden Tate accusing the Vikings of being a dirty team. The Vikings are definitely a more physical defensive team under Mike Zimmer and George Edwards, and they can't let the whining from the other sideline affect the way they play. They have to continue playing the game that has made them the #2 defense in the NFL in terms of points allowed and that held the Lions' offense in check at TCF Bank Stadium in Week 2.

This is another big opportunity for the Vikings to make the statement that they're serious about contending for, at the very least, a spot in the NFC playoffs going forward. The road has not been kind to the Vikings recently, and that's something they need to change if they intend to be a force going forward.

We're less than an hour away from kickoff at Ford Field, ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for hanging out with us for today's game.

SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!