Lions at Vikings: NFL Picks and Odds for Week 5

In Week 5, one matchup features two teams that can’t seem to get out of their own way. Yet, the Lions at Vikings game on Sunday does make for an intriguing football bet.

Both of these teams will are looking to turn their season around this week. So let’s look at what team has the advantage coming into this week.

Detroit Lions

Did the Lions lose to Chicago in Week 4 or beat themselves? You couldn’t ask for a worse start when Jared Goff fumbled a bad snap in the first quarter from the red zone. The turnover gave the Bears a quick 14-0 lead instead of a chance to tie the game early.

But that only tells part of the story of Detroit’s collapse against the Chicago Bears in Week 4. The Lions made five trips to the red zone and came up with a mere 7 points.

NFL picks and odds had the Lions going from +6 to +3 at game time, so expectations were this team was on the right track. But, unfortunately, those hopes were dashed within the first 15 minutes of the game.

Head Coach Dan Campbell has gained a reputation for gambling on fourth down, converting 3 of 10 times the first four games. Players like having a coach with faith in them, but a better team wouldn’t be in this many 4th down situations.

With Goff at the helm, Detroit has shown an ability to score. They kept pace with better teams like the 49ers in Week 1. And the Lions’ defense did a great job of holding the Ravens to 17 last week.

But putting a full 60 minutes of football together is still an issue. So, it’s back to the drawing board for the 0-4 Detroit Lions. They will need to regroup fast for any chance, even against the struggling Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings

NFL bettors still have some confidence in the Vikings. Week 5 odds open with Minnesota as a 7.5-point favorite. The defense is the biggest reason I believe the Minnesota Vikings will win this game.

The Vikings’ defense was stout in the red zone against Cleveland. Minnesota had stopped the Browns and looked poise to force a field goal, but a penalty to Eric Kendricks gave Cleveland another set of downs from inside the 5-yard line. The resulting score and a two-point conversion proved enough.

When good teams hold an opponent to 14 points, it should result in a win, but Kirk Cousins didn’t look comfortable all afternoon. While throwing for 203 yards, a late-game interception was too much to overcome.

The Vikings should fare better against Detroit. The Lions’ weaker run defense will help Dalvin Cook get more touches, allowing Minnesota to control the game’s pace.

Lions at Vikings (-7.5)

Minnesota’s defense did everything possible to keep their game against the Browns close. But, unfortunately, the Vikings’ offense did everything they could to give the game back to the Browns.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions failed to bounce back from early mishaps against the Bears. However, they still feel like a team with potential behind Jared Goff.

I believe that the Minnesota Vikings will cover and pick up a big win against the Lions. If this team still has playoff aspirations, they’ll have to pull off a big win this week.

Do you think the Vikings will pick up a much-needed win and turn their season around, or do you think Detroit will finally play up to their potential?  Either way, sign up for an account and place your bets on the Lions at Vikings at the best online sportsbook, BetMGM.