The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most interesting 1-3 teams in the NFL. For one, they could be 4-0, and the narrative surrounding them would be positive. However, after some unfortunate turn of events, that hasn’t been the case.

Week 1: Fumble in overtime

Week 2: Missed game-winning field goal

Week 3: W

Week 4: Poor offensive play-calling

There was a lot that went wrong in Week 4, but Minnesota lost 14-7 and had numerous opportunities to takeover the game. It wasn’t like Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns played well, the Vikings honestly just looked like trash.

Minnesota’s 1-3 and entering must-win territory against the Detroit Lions. If the Vikings lose this game, their season is over, and they should fire Mike Zimmer.

Detroit is 0-4, but they’re a pretty good winless team. They fought the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens well. Though, it looked like they regressed last week against the Chicago Bears.

Minnesota’s defense has turned things around since coming out of halftime in Week 3. Expect that to continue as the Lions may be without three of their starting lineman.

Despite Michael Pierce going down with an injury for the foreseeable future, the Vikings still have Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson up the middle. Anthony Barr looks like he’s returning, and that’ll be a big upgrade at the linebacker position.

The offense shouldn’t be an issue either because the Vikings have plenty of weapons, regardless if Dalvin Cook plays. The Lions’ best player in their secondary is Tracy Walker (FS), but beyond him, there’s not much to worry about. That means Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn should eat.

This is a pivotal week for the Vikings, one they can’t lose to an 0-4 team at home. If they win, you can feel a lot better with a 2-3 record, especially knowing how difficult Minnesota’s schedule is.