Minnesota @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 11, 2012 ) Detroit 24, Minnesota 34

Led by a near record-breaking season from Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings won their final four games to earn a wild-card playoff berth in 2012. Peterson has vowed to shatter the single-season rushing mark this season and he begins his quest when the Vikings open NFC North division play against the Lions in Sunday's season opener at Detroit. Minnesota swept the season series a year ago, including a 20-13 victory in Detroit.

Detroit added Reggie Bush to bolster a backfield that's been non-productive for several seasons. Bush's dual-threat presence should take some of the onus off the oft-weary shoulders of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw just 20 touchdown passes last season after tossing a career-high 41 in 2011. Detroit enters the season riding an eight-game losing streak.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -5. O/U 46.5.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (2012: 10-6, tied for second NFC North): Despite Peterson's presence, the Minnesota offense is still a major question mark. Christian Ponder, who has surpassed 300 yards only twice in 26 starts, may have a short leash at quarterback after the Vikings signed veteran Matt Cassel in the offseason. The defense still revolves around Jared Allen, a sack machine who may be getting a bit long in the tooth. But with Allen and newly signed receiver Greg Jennings, all signs point to the Vikings making a serious bid for another playoff berth. Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards last season, just nine shy of Eric Dickerson's all-time mark.

ABOUT THE LIONS (2012: 4-12, fourth NFC North): Even with Bush in tow, the Lions' share of the offense runs through Calvin Johnson, the league's best receiver who set the NFL record last season with 1,964 yards receiving. Detroit looks to improve defensively led by All-Pro linemen Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Despite injuries to both stars last season the tandem strikes fear in most opposing quarterbacks. While the secondary remains a huge concern, Detroit's legacy is its biggest hurdle - the team hasn't won an NFL title since 1957. Bush rushed for more than 2,000 yards over the past two seasons and will add a new dimension to the offense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Veteran David Akers takes over the kicking duties at Detroit. Akers was 29-for-42 on field goals attempts with the 49ers last season.

2. Johnson is the only player in NFL history with consecutive 1,600-yard seasons.

3. Peterson had 33 runs of 20 yards or more last season.

PREDICTION: Lions 24, Vikings 21