Detroit Lions Vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL Betting Predictions, Picks and Parlays

Lions Stalking a Miracle in the North: Detroit at Minnesota

The Detroit Lions head into their Christmas Day battle with the Minnesota Vikings knowing their playoff pulse is faint, but still thumping. It’s been a frustrating stretch for Dan Campbell’s squad, dropping two straight—including a head-scratcher to the Steelers—to sit at 8-7. For Detroit to sneak into the dance, they essentially have to win out and pray for a Green Bay collapse. It’s a tall order, especially on a short week at U.S. Bank Stadium. 

The Lions' offense is still a juggernaut on paper, but the inconsistency has been maddening. Jared Goff needs to find that early-season rhythm again, particularly with the Vikings' defense proving they can be a nightmare after they stifled Detroit’s run game earlier this year.

Minnesota is firmly in "spoiler" mode. They were eliminated from contention a while back, but they’ve spent December dragging everyone else down with them. They just ruined the Cowboys' season and would love nothing more than to end Detroit's hopes on national TV. 

The big story in the Twin Cities is J.J. McCarthy’s throwing hand. He caught a nasty stinger against the Giants, and if he’s a no-go, we’re likely seeing Max Brosmer. The Vikings' defense has been their backbone, holding Detroit to just 24 points in their last meeting. They don't have a postseason to play for, but ruining a rival’s Christmas is a decent consolation prize.

Betting Picks & Predictions

The Lions are laying 6 points on the road. That’s a lot of respect for a team that’s been reeling, but it tells you what Vegas thinks of Minnesota’s QB situation. If McCarthy sits, this line might even jump. I expect a gritty, low-scoring affair because the Vikings' defense is legit. 

My play is the Lions winning but failing to cover that -6, while the Under 45.5 looks like the smartest move on the board. Prediction: Lions win but don't cover.