Lions projected depth chart vs. Vikings: Brian Branch is full-go, and Detroit could make one interesting O-line change
Detroit gets Branch without limitations, Rakestraw appears on track to stay in the starting mix, and Scruggs could give the offense another way to get its best blockers on the field against Minnesota.
The Detroit Lions will take on the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and there is no doubt that this is a huge game for them. It’s a game that could make their quest for a potential NFC North title a little bit harder if they lose it, considering they have to play all their rivals on the road at the end of the season.
There are many things you have to do to win this game, but the first one is to make sure you have your best roster out there on the field. Here’s what we’re projecting their depth chart looks like Sunday.
Offense
Detroit Lions depth chart
Pretty much the same thing you’re used to seeing here. Mays is starting at center again, with Scruggs backing up. That’s actually where one change you might notice comes from. I’ve got Scruggs at tackle as well, and I have him ahead of Larry Borom.
At the end of the day, the Lions need to get their best blockers on the field at all times, and Borom has struggled mightily this year. Especially in pass blocking. Scruggs has the size and athleticism to be an extra blocker. He could really help on the run game side of things. If I’m Detroit, I’m doing this knowing that you need to get the ground game going in this game.
Defense
Detroit Lions depth chart
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said on Friday that there are no limitations for Brian Branch on Sunday. We saw some of that on Sunday, where they may have been thinking about imposing a snap count, but then saw Branch was just balling, so they just went with it. So expect him to start again.
Ennis Rakestraw should be expected to start again as well. He left the Packers game with an ankle injury, but was playing well before that. He was a full practice participant on Thursday and was back at practice again on Friday. So it looks like it was just a minor thing.
The Will linebacker spot has been one we’re trying to figure out every week. Malcolm Rodriguez didn’t play a single snap against the Packers, but Trevor Nowaske played a lot. It seems that’s the way they’re going. Wondering when Jimmy Rolder might play again is a whole other thing. Linebacker is a sneaky trade possibility I’d keep an eye on ahead of the deadline.
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