- The Vikings are predicted to be a 7.5-point home underdog against the Lions.
- Detroit needs to win out and have the Packers lose out to make the playoffs.
- If Max Brosmer plays, my Vikings vs Lions prediction is Under 46.5 Points (-110).
The second of the three-game Christmas Day slate sees the Lions travel to the Vikings.
Detroit lost outright as 7.5-point home favorites to the Steelers on Sunday. That ended a 15-game winning streak for the Lions immediately following an outright loss.
Minnesota won 16-13 against the Giants on Sunday, narrowly covering a 2.5-point spread. With a win on Thursday, the Vikings could eliminate Detroit from postseason contention.
Bet on Vikings vs. Lions and other NFL matchups with up-to-date NFL odds.
Vikings vs. Lions: NFL Week 17 Odds
Vikings vs. Lions Prediction
Depending on the Vikings’ starting quarterback against the Lions, my Vikings vs Lions prediction is the Total Under 46.5 Points (-110).
If Max Brosmer starts for Minnesota, it could create a buy-low spot on the Detroit defense.
Further complicating Minnesota’s offensive plan? Christian Darrisaw will miss the game, while Ryan Kelly also could miss the contest.
Minnesota struggled to establish the run against an abysmal Giants rush defense on Sunday. That’s how the team succeeded offensively when these teams met in Detroit.
The Vikings offense rushed for 142 yards as a team, including over 100 from Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Mason, who exited against New York, could also miss Thursday’s game.
Detroit’s defense is banged up, but they also surrendered three touchdowns to the Steelers from outside the red zone.
But the crux of this prediction is my confidence in Minnesota’s defense.
The unit held Detroit to only 24 points at Ford Field. That is no small feat against a unit that entered Sunday ranked third in offensive DVOA, per ftnfantasy.com.
Perhaps more impressive is that Detroit rushed for only 65 yards in that game. That output qualified as the second-worst output of the year for Detroit’s offense.
Injuries are also stacking up along the Detroit offensive line. Graham Glasgow failed to play on Sunday, further depleting an already banged-up Detroit line.
That’s going to prove a problem against Brian Flores’ defense. In Week 9, Minnesota’s defense sacked Goff five times.
Without establishing a run game, Detroit will be in long third-down situations. If that happens, it only benefits the Vikings defense.
Betting Vikings vs. Lions: NFL Public Betting
| Team | % of ATS Bets | % of ATS Money |
|---|---|---|
| Lions (-7.5) | 76% | 82% |
| Vikings (+7.5) | 24% | 18% |
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
