Detroit Lions (3-2) at Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Mike Goldberg, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Peter Schrager

*Keys to the game: WR Golden Tate picked a good time to play a leading role. The Vikings were manhandled at Green Bay in Week 5 and even if top playmaker Harrison Smith plays at free safety, he is hobbled by a bum ankle. Opponents complete nearly 68 percent of their passes and convert 48 percent of third downs against the Vikings for many reasons – primary among them is the extra attention being paid to mend a broken run defense. The Lions are committed to leading with the running game, which sets up play-action for QB Matt Stafford.

While the Vikings would breathe a sigh of relief is WR Calvin Johnson sits, there is more focus on pulling big plays out of their own offense.

Rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater topped 300 yards and led a fourth-quarter comeback in his debut and only start. He’s likely to play despite lingering discomfort from a high ankle sprain against a mean pass rush spearheaded by DTs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Bridgewater thrived with three-step drops and quick crossers inside of 15 yards in the Week 4 victory over Atlanta and will be cognizant of rapid releases Sunday.

*Matchup to watch – Lions RB Reggie Bush vs. Vikings MLB Jasper Brinkley: Chad Greenway (hand) is expected to miss his third straight game, a concern for Minnesota after Antone Smith and Eddie Lacy put up consecutive big games. Lacy gained 55 yards before contact last Thursday and Smith ripped off two big plays in Week 4, including a 48-yard touchdown run.

*Player spotlight – Lions PK Matt Prater: The team’s third kicker in six games, Prater made 25 of 26 field-goal attempts in Denver last season but was warned he is on a short leash coming back from a four-game suspension that led to his release by the Broncos. He out-kicked veterans Connor Barth and Jay Feely in a tryout and should be an upgrade over Nate Freese and Alex Henery, who were combined 4 of 12.

*Fast facts: Detroit is 1-16 in its past 17 games in Minnesota. … Bridgewater hasn’t been intercepted in 99 pass attempts – 50 regular-season, 49 preseason.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

If the Lions can take away the run, they will also be able to get to Bridgewater, who lacks the supporting cast to swap scores with Stafford.

*Our pick: Lions 22-16