What to know when the Vikings travel to play the Detroit Lions tonight:

Vikings at Lions

When >> 7:20 p.m. today

Where >> Ford Field

TV >> KARE Ch. 11

Radio >> KFAN, 1130 AM

Line >> Lions -2.5

Over/Under >> 55.5

Keys for the Vikings

• There are going to be opportunities for the Vikings to throw the ball on Sunday. Not only are the Lions depleted on defense, they have shown a tendency to rely heavily on man coverage under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. If the Vikings get that look with any sort of consistency, it’s on quarterback Sam Darnold to pick it apart. He has the weapons to do so, starting with star receiver Justin Jefferson, who has feasted on man coverage throughout his career.

• Though he has proven to be extremely effective against the blitz, the Vikings might still want to pressure quarterback Jared Goff to see if they can rattle him. That might be the only way the Vikings can stop a potent Lions passing attack. If he’s able to stand in the pocket unbothered, Goff has the arm talent to completely take over the game.

Keys for the Lions

• As good as the Vikings have been at stopping the run, it would still behoove the Lions to try to get running back Jahmyr Gibbs going. The threat of running the ball will open everything else up for the Lions on offense. It would also make the Vikings think twice about sending pressure.

• The best way for the Lions to combat the amount of injuries they have on defense is by forcing a couple of turnovers. That can more than make up for them potentially allowing the Vikings to gain a lot of yards on offense. Nobody in the NFL has more interceptions than safety Kerby Joseph, so, in theory, that could bode well for the Lions heading into this matchup.

— Dane Mizutani