Minnesota Vikings star welcomes 'new age' NFC North rivalry with Detroit Lions
The Minnesota Vikings may be the reigning kings of the north, but the Detroit Lions are heavily favoured to emerge victorious in the NFC North.
The Lions have emerged as one of the most popular teams to enjoy a successful 2023 after the franchise fought back from 1-6 to finish 9-8. While Detroit failed to reach the playoffs, the organisation has been rejuvenated by the energy displayed by head coach Dan Campbell and will kick off the news season against Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs in the Season Opener.
The offense found form last season, with quarterback Jared Goff thriving following his trade from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 while stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged. As a result of their form down the stretch in 2022, many fans are backing the Lions to win the division and return to the postseason following a six-year absence.
Vikings running back Mattison simply laughed at the prospect of the Lions dethroning Minnesota this season. He welcomed the competition, but issued a threat that the Vikings’ crown would not be lost easily.
“There’s a little fire behind hearing people pick the Lions to win the division,” Mattison exclusively told Mirror Sport: “We’ve created a rivalry. I mean, it’s always been the [Green Bay] Packers and the Vikings, but there’s a new form, new age rivalry that is strengthening between us and the Lions. It’s been a gritty game between us each time we face off. With their new staff and that new leadership, they do have a bit of an edge - and that shows every Sunday, whether they win or lose.
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“I definitely think the Lions deserve respect - you can’t take their past failures and pin it on them this year. But we want to make sure everyone knows we deserve our respect, too.”
On a personal level, Mattison is gearing up for his first season as the Vikings lead back after previously splitting snaps with starter Dalvin Cook, who was cut earlier this offseason. Cook is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL after tallying four successive 1000-yard rushing seasons.
While Cook impressed in many metrics, he also put up more zero or negative yards than any other running back in the NFL - and the Vikings will hope Mattison can avoid such production. The Vikings are looking to improve on their overall run game as the team were 26th in team yards per attempt and 27th in total yards.
Jared Goff is one of the faces of the Detroit Lions resurgence of the past 12 months (Getty Images)Mattison averages 4.1 yards per carry and hasn’t topped 500 yards in a single season, although he has excelled when handed an opportunity. When asked who might break out on the Vikings offense in 2023, the 25-year-old opted to pick a sophomore receiver rather than himself.
“Jalen Nailor,” Mattison said after taking a moment to think about his answer. “He’s looking really good. We call him ‘Speedy’ because he’s just ridiculously fast, but he’s shown a lot of different parts of his game this offseason that I think might shine through. I’m pulling for him. I hope he breaks out.”
Mattison was in London to continue the Vikings’ interaction with their international fanbase. The running back enjoyed seeing the sights, including the London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace while he also attended the Wimbledon Championships.
Mattison was full of praise for the Vikings fans as the franchise continue to expand into the United Kingdom after being awarded home market rights in the territory: “I feel like we have the best and biggest fanbase out here in the United Kingdom. There’s a lot of Vikings love out here, so to continue that connection is just awsome.
“American football and the NFL is growing in different countries, and this is one of the places where we have a lot of love. We want to continue to show love back to the places that support us.”
Although the Minnesota Vikings will not be returning to play in London this October, the team will remain active in the UK throughout the season. To keep updated on everything follow them on and .
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