Members of the Pioneer Press sports staff who cover the Vikings make their picks for this week’s game against the Detroit Lions:

DANE MIZUTANI

Vikings 34, Lions 31: There are going to be fireworks in what is undoubtedly the best game of this weekend’s slate in the NFL. The homefield advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium makes a big difference and the Vikings earn the win to establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

JOHN SHIPLEY

Lions 31, Vikings 24: We know the Lions are for real. If the Vikings win this one, they are, too.

CHARLEY WALTERS

Lions 27, Vikings 24: If the Vikings were not playing the Lions in a huge game, a 6-0 start could happen. But the Vikings are not going undefeated this season, and the Lions demonstrated how ferocious they can be after annihilating the Cowboys last Sunday. Plus, the Vikings have not played well their last six quarters.