J.J.McCarthy Buck Against Leo Singh off

Can the Vikings get a monumental upset when very young quarterback returns to action?

VAIASO 9 The Vikings with J.J.McCarthy's also stopped against a lion

No pressure, J.J.McCarthy. Only, after missing six weeks with a major ankle sprain, your third NFL start will be on the road against a division rival that's one of the best teams in the league. Oh, and lose, and your veteran, winning team's chances of making the playoffs dwindle.

For the rest of the season, the most important thing for the 3-4 Vikings is to watch McCarthy grow, develop and progress.After losing so many games, they will need proof that their man is the most important to advance in the game.But if they're going to stay in contention in 2025, it's likely going to have to start with a win Sunday against an 8.5-point underdog in Detroit.

Can the Vikings snap a five-game losing streak against the Lions and pull off a major upset this weekend?Our employees choose.

Zai Ragatz: Lions 31, Vikings 16

Until confirmed, I'm going to assume Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brownings, as this is what has happened in the last five meetings between these teams.Brian Flores, in particular, was 0 for 4 on 4. He found a way to mitigate how to mitigate this offense (and he wasn't alone in this).

This will put a lot of pressure on McCarthy and the Vikings to keep up with the Vikings. I think it's fair to expect that the 22-year-old will have a tough time rebounding against Detroit's good defense.McCarthy will show flashes in this game, but the Vikings' usual problems - turnover cost and red zone execution - will continue to plague them in their sixth straight loss to the Lions.

Joe Nelson: Vikings 31, Lions 30

I got a picture of Justin Jefferson scoring a 75-yard field goal on the first play from scrimmage.People are wondering what else is in Kevin O'Connell's "bag" and yes, J.J.McCarthy threw the ball in my dream.Can I see the future?If that happens, call me Joestradamus because McCarthy has the mobility to extend plays and bolster Minnesota's offense.I could see him tearing up Detroit's defense, especially if All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph is sidelined with injury.It was time for the Vikings to start their comeback, and he came out with a statement win in Detroit.

Tony Liebert: Lions 34, Vikings 30

JJ McCarthy faced a big test on the road in his first game against the Detroit Lions, 5-2, and it seems everyone is counting on him and this Vikings team.McCarthy has the personality of a player who excels under pressure, and he will feel it against Detroit earlier this week.While I think Minnesota can surprise people in this matchup, the Lions look like one of the best teams in the NFL when things are going.Detroit is a well-oiled machine and I think it wins by a surprisingly high score.

Jonathan Harrison: Lions 34, Vikings 14

This will be the third straight loss and fourth in the last five games for the Vioc Fruits away weekend.The last time we saw advice, it was not good.Yes, the Falcons have been very bad for many QBS this season.10 points and yards allowed.They are tied for the fifth most sacks in the league this season.The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently a walking injury hitter and can't be out this season.

Here are last week's predictions.Season records for our conditions:

- Tony: 5-2

- Way: 4-3

- Joe: 3-4

- Jonah: 3-4