Vikings vs. Lions 2015 picks and predictions: Experts divided on NFC North matchup

It's thought to be impossible to win in the modern NFL without good quarterback play, but the Minnesota Vikings are looking to put that theory to the test.

The Vikings are currently 3-2, even though Teddy Bridgewater has struggled mightily in his sophomore campaign. Bridgewater was picked off twice last week in the club's 16-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, and recorded a passer rating of 65.1 –– the third time this season his passer rating was 79.0 or lower.

With Bridgewater's play floundering, the Vikings have had to rely on a strong defense and running attack to carry them to victory. Adrian Peterson had a poor showing Sunday, only gaining 60 yards on 26 attempts, but he has enjoyed a strong bounce-back season on the whole. He's averaging 4.3 yards per carry through five games.

On paper, this appears to be a tough matchup for Matthew Stafford, who's played poorly this season despite leading the team to 37 points in the Lions' first victory of the year last week. Detroit only averaged 16.6 points per game through the first five weeks.

Though the Lions defeated the Bears in overtime last week, it was hardly a confidence-building win. After taking a three-point lead with 21 seconds remaining in regulation, the Lions allowed Chicago to march down the field in three plays for a game-tying field goal. Detroit was finally able to pull the game out in overtime.

This is a real toss-up affair, as both teams have a number of holes. The key for the Lions could be the reemergence of Calvin Johnson, who caught six passes for a season-high 166 yards and a touchdown last week. If Johnson is on his game, he's impossible to stop –– regardless of the defense he's playing against.