EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings committed 13 penalties and turned the ball over three times in the red zone against Detroit on Sunday.
They were able to overcome those errors in a 27-10 victory over the hapless Lions. But the Vikings know they won't be able to afford such carelessness against better opponents down the line as they chase home-field advantage for the playoffs.
The Vikings are 8-1, one game behind New Orleans for the best record in the NFC. With home games coming up against Seattle and Chicago, Minnesota is well positioned to keep putting pressure on the Saints for the No. 1 seed.
Coach Brad Childress says he views all the penalties as "an anomaly" and expects cleaner play against the Seahawks this week.
