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Saturday open thread: Predict Case Keenum’s stats vs. Lions

How do you think Case Keenum will play on Sunday?

Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

One of the most unpredictable matchups for Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings is when Minnesota is trying to throw the ball. Sam Bradford has been declared out, meaning the Vikings will trot out Case Keenum behind center.

Keenum has started two games for the Vikings already this year and has had two very different results. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Keenum was completely shut down, completing just 54.1 percent of his passes for a paltry 157 yards (5.5 YPA) and 0 touchdowns.

Last week, however, Keenum tore apart the Buccaneers defense, completing 75.8 percent of his passes for 369 yards (11.2 YPA), 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

Then there’s the Lions pass defense. After sporting literally the worst pass defense in the league in 2016, Detroit suddenly has been playing at a top 10 level. They rank second in interceptions, fifth in pass defense DVOA, and fifth in passer rating allowed. Is the drastic change for real, or are the Lions due to regress if/when the interceptions die down?

So today’s Question of the Day is:

What do you think Case Keenum’s final statline will look like on Sunday?

My answer: 20/29, 240 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.

I don’t believe in Case Keenum, I really don’t. I watched his performance against the Buccaneers, and kept waiting to be impressed considering his outstanding box score output. I came away seeing a pretty average game from Keenum who wasn’t all that accurate on a day he completed over 75 percent of his throws.

That being said, Keenum has a pair of two very talented receivers in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. They bailed Keenum out a few times last Sunday and were giving him wide open targets all day against the Bucs secondary. Obviously the Lions sport a more talented set of defensive backs, so I think they’ll limit Minnesota’s efficiency, but the Vikings will also get theirs.

Your turn.