Lions vs Vikings Prediction, Odds & Pick: Week 8

Below, bettors can find NFL odds and a Lions vs Vikings prediction for their Week 8 matchup at Ford Field.

Lions vs Vikings Odds: Spread, Moneyline & Total

Vikings vs Lions Prediction

Based on the Vikings’ statistically unsustainable winning methods and a brutal schedule for the rest of the season, my Lions vs Vikings prediction is the Vikings to Miss the Playoffs (+550).

Minnesota has peaked in the market after a 6-0 start. However, the record is incredibly misleading, with four wins coming by one possession or less.

Additional Analysis: Are the Vikings About to Start Regressing? 

Kevin O’Connell’s side has turned three halftime leads into six wins. Only once all year (at New Orleans) has the team delivered a convincingly strong performance.

Everyone knows the defense is good. Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in defensive DVOA behind only Seattle. But they’ve also faced the second-easiest set of offenses.

Starting with Week 8, the schedule – especially for the defense – takes a massive jump.

By current DVOA ratings, the Vikings project to face the league’s fifth-hardest schedule (4.8% average DVOA) the rest of the way.

For the defense, they’re projected to face the league’s second-hardest schedule (5.6%).

Week 8 opening lines priced Detroit as a three-point home favorite. At sharp sportsbooks, the line went out to Lions -3.5 before day end Monday.

If the action proves correct and Minnesota loses, it could set off a chain reaction of consecutive defeats. Here are the Vikings’ next five: Detroit, Buffalo, Green Bay, San Francisco, Atlanta.

The team also travels to New England and plays at home against Carolina, Washington and Detroit. Given the way their first two divisional games went, a 0-4 finish wouldn’t stun me.

Whether it’s this season or next, regression is going to hit this team like a semi-truck. At under 20% implied probability, I predict there’s a greater chance Minnesota misses the postseason.