Coming off their bye week, the Detroit Lions return to Ford Field on Sunday, looking to build on the momentum from their 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The week off has allowed several key players to recover, and Detroit could be close to full strength heading into this divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

Safety Brian Branch will be back in action after serving a one-game suspension, while fellow safety Kerby Joseph remains questionable as he continues to rehab a leg injury. The return of defensive tackle Alim McNeill has already given Detroit’s run defense a major boost, and cornerback Terrion Arnold is also expected to rejoin the lineup after missing three games with a shoulder issue.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has returned to practice but will likely remain sidelined until Week 11 as he works his way back from injury. Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad was limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury. If he can’t go, it would be a significant loss for Detroit’s defensive front.

The Vikings, meanwhile, will start second year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will be making just his third career NFL start. Minnesota is also expected to get back edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, two key pieces of their defense.

As of Thursday, oddsmakers have the Lions favored by 8.5 points, signaling expectations of a comfortable Detroit win. But if head coach Dan Campbell’s team wants to make a statement, here are three bold predictions for how they could dominate on Sunday.

1. Four Forced Turnovers

With an inexperienced quarterback under center, the Lions’ defense has a prime opportunity to feast. In McCarthy’s first two starts, the Vikings have gone 1-1 and committed five turnovers — three interceptions, one fumble, and one turnover on downs.

Detroit’s aggressive front, led by newly re-signed pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, should have plenty of chances to pressure McCarthy into mistakes. Expect the Lions to swarm the pocket, disguise coverages, and force the young quarterback into rushed throws. My prediction: Detroit finishes with two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one turnover on downs — four total takeaways.

2. Jameson Williams Breaks Out With a 50-Yard Touchdown

It’s been a quiet year for wide receiver Jameson Williams, but that could change this week. Offensive coordinator John Morton recently admitted he hasn’t done enough to get Williams involved.

“I failed him,” Morton said earlier this week. “I told him, ‘I wouldn’t have faulted you if you were pissed at me. You work too hard.’”

Williams, for his part, didn’t seem fazed. “No sweat,” he replied.

Morton added that he plans to be “more creative” in finding ways to get Williams the ball, a comment that suggests Detroit could look to stretch the field on Sunday. Last season, Williams ranked second in the league in 40-plus-yard touchdowns, trailing only Tyreek Hill.

With defenses focusing on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, look for Jared Goff to take a deep shot to Williams. Don’t be surprised if it results in a 50-yard touchdown — fitting, considering Williams’ first career score came against the Vikings at Ford Field, a 44-yard strike from Goff.

3. Jared Goff Sets a Season High in Passing Yards

For this prediction to hit, Goff will need at least 335 passing yards. It’s a number he’s flirted with several times against the Vikings, including a 330-yard game against the Vikings at Ford Field in 2022 and a 320-yard performance there in 2024.

Goff owns a 6-2 record against Minnesota as Detroit’s starter and tends to play his best at home. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for dialing up blitz-heavy schemes, but that may play right into Goff’s hands. In 2024, he led the NFL in efficiency rating (137.1) and completion rate (77.1%) when facing the blitz.

Expect Goff to exploit Minnesota’s aggressiveness with quick reads and smart checkdowns. My projection: 342 passing yards and multiple touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Lions win by 14 or more. If Detroit’s defense delivers and the offense finds its rhythm early, this could turn into a rout. My final score prediction: Lions 38, Vikings 14, as Detroit improves to 6-2 on the season.