Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions odds, picks and predictions
The Minnesota Vikings (7-9) and Detroit Lions (11-5) close out their regular seasons Sunday. Kickoff from Ford Field is set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Vikings vs. Lions odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
After a midseason resurgence, the Vikings have lost 3 straight games and 5 of their last 6. Last week's loss -- a 33-10 New Year's Eve blowout at home to the Green Bay Packers -- all but eliminated them from the postseason. For the 3rd time in 4 games, Minnesota will make a change at starting quarterback. Veteran QB Nick Mullens is being given the chance in the final game despite throwing 6 interceptions in his last 2 starts. The Vikings have an 11% chance to make the playoffs with a win, according to NFL.com.
The Lions won their 1st division title in 30 years with a 30-24 road victory against the Vikings in Week 16, but now need help to get the No. 2 seed after a controversial 20-19 loss at the Dallas Cowboys -- a referee's call negated a potential game-winning 2-point conversion.
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Vikings at Lions odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Vikings +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Lions -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Vikings +3.5 (-110) | Lions -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 46 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Vikings at Lions key injuries
Vikings
- CB Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder) out
- OT Christian Darrisaw (illness) questionable
- G Ed Ingram (shoulder) questionable
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (knee) out
- OT Brian O'Neill (ankle) out
Lions
- CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) questionable
- LB James Houston (ankle) out
- WR Jameson Williams (ankle) out
Vikings at Lions picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 31, Vikings 17
Moneyline
PASS.
The Lions (-190) likely aren't going to rest their starters -- that isn't how coach Dan Campbell has operated -- but to have to invest almost twice as much as the return doesn't make sense.
Against the spread
BET LIONS -3.5 (-110).
This point spread comes as something of a surprise because the Vikings are decimated with injuries. Not only are they without QB Kirk Cousins, they will be without 2 of their top 3 cornerbacks, their starting right tackle and potentially 2 more O-linemen.
The Lions don't have the luxury of knowing how the late games involving the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles will turn out, so with the opportunity of getting the No. 2 seed -- Arizona beat both Dallas and Philadelphia, so it's possible for both of them to get upset on the road -- expect the Lions to keep their starters in the game until it is out reach.
Over/Under
BET OVER 46 (-110).
Minnesota's secondary is missing some key pieces, and the Lions will take advantage of that. Two weeks ago, the Lions had their way with the Vikings. QB Jared Goff completed 30 of 40 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 12 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and RBs David Montgomery and Jamhyr Gibbs combined to run 32 times for 135 yards and 3 TDs.
The Vikings have enough offensive firepower to put up some points, but they won't need to score more than 17 if the Lions are on their game and playing as well as they did on Christmas Eve in Minneapolis.
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