That was a hallmark of Cousins throughout his time with the Vikings. His tenacity was commendable, despite the fact that he only produced a single playoff win. Now as he prepares to face his former team, Cousins has to pick himself up off the mat once again.

Lions minus 3 1/2 Both teams are coming off wins on Thanksgiving. The Packers lost at home to the Lions a month ago and need this victory to have a chance at winning the NFC North. Detroit survived a close call last week thanks to Chicago's clock mismanagement.

Cousins' return to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, on Sunday comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons' three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week's 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade.