Vikings at Lions in Week 13: Best Bets and Wagers

The Vikings at Lions in Week 13 showcases two teams with a lot to play for, including pride. For the Vikings, it’s the chance to keep their playoff hopes alive, and for the Lions, it’s a chance to record their highly coveted first win of the season.

The NFL betting lines have the Vikings as a -7-point favorite in the Motor City this weekend. So let’s dig a little deeper and take a look at this week’s best bet.

Injuries for Both Teams

This game will be a battle of the backup running backs this week as Vikings’ star RB Dalvin Cook will miss 1-2 games after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 12. The Lions will also likely be without D’Andre Swift, who suffered a shoulder injury of his own in the Thanksgiving game against the Bears.

Minnesota backup Alexander Mattison has rushed for over 100 yards twice this season, while Lions’ backup Jamaal Williams is also a talented backup option, averaging a respectable 4.2 yards per rush.

Recent Scoring Trends

In November, the Vikings scored a pile of points, averaging 29.5 per game against four tough opponents (Ravens, Chargers, Packers, 49ers). Quarterback Kirk Cousins has quietly had a solid season with an outstanding TD to interception ratio of 23:3. The Vikings are ninth in the league in total yards (381.2) and eighth in passing yards (266.7).

The Lions played just three games in November because of a bye week but only managed a total of 40 points in those three games. This year it’s been tough sledding for the Lions, as they rank near the league’s bottom in most offensive categories.

They’re averaging a measly 15.8 points per game (30th), and quarterback Jared Goff has thrown just ten touchdown passes in the same amount of starts.

Vikings at Lions: Best Bets

Although they still don’t have a win, the Lions continue to be ATS darlings with a 7-4 record on the year.

The Vikings have been decent themselves ATS (6-5), and without the playmaking ability of D’Andre Swift in the lineup, I don’t think the Lions will have the firepower to hang with the Vikings. Detroit ranks 29th in the NFL in passing yards per game, so if they get behind early or can’t establish a running game, they could be in trouble. I like Minnesota to win this one by more than a touchdown.

The point total is at 46.5, and while the Vikings have been putting up points as of late, their offense should be a little less potent without Dalvin Cook. The same can be said (even more so) for the Lions without Swift. Combined, these teams hit under in 13 out of 22 games. I expect the under to hit this week as well.

The Lions’ First Win Will Have To Wait

This week’s Vikings at Lions game should help Minnesota’s chances of getting into the playoffs. At 5-6, they are just a game out of the final playoff spot and have a favorable schedule to end the season, including two games against the Bears and a game against the Steelers.

But if there’s one thing we know about the Lions this year, it’s that they won’t go down without a fight. So be sure to get your bets in and keep up to date on BetMGM’s football lines for all of your Michigan sports betting action. Create an account today and receive a risk-free initial bet worth up to $1,000.