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Vikings in desperate need of win against Lions

Dec 5, 2006 - 7:44 PM Minnesota (5-7) at Detroit (2-10) Sunday 1:00 pm ESTDETROIT (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Vikings have to be happy at thesight of the Detroit Lions.The struggling Vikings try to turn things around Sunday whenthey face the hapless Lions.Minnesota has won nine straight and 13 of the last 14 meetingsagainst its NFC North rival.In the first meeting against the Lions on October 8, Johnsonthrew for 201 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings overcame a14-point fourth-quarter deficit in a 26-17 triumph.However, Johnson has played nothing like a 13-year veteran,throwing for just eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 12games.This contest could not come at a better time for the Vikings,who have lost five of their last six games following a 4-2 startunder first-year coach Brad Childress.Minnesota's struggles could be attributed to an offense which isranked 25th in scoring at 17.6 points per game. ChesterTaylor has been a bright spot, rushing for 1,098 yards and fivetouchdowns in his first season with the club.Johnson threw four interceptions before being pulled favor ofBrooks Bollinger in the third quarter of last Sunday's 23-13loss at Chicago.It has been another disastrous campaign for the Lions, whoalready have reached double digits in losses for the sixthstraight season. They are a woeful 23-69 during that span.Tied with Oakland for the NFL's worst record, Detroit playedwell last Sunday before squandering an eight-pointfourth-quarter lead in a 28-21 loss at New England.Jon Kitna threw for 314 yards and a touchdown with threeinterceptions against the Patriots for the Lions, who have lostfour straight.