Detroit Lions (14-2) vs Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
Game Info: Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 8:20 pm (Ford Field)
Betting Odds: Detroit Lions -2.5--- Over/Under: 57
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
Game Preview!
It's almost that time of year, I'm talking about the NFL playoffs! We've been watching, analyzing, and chatting about these teams all season long. Now, the real contenders are stepping up for their shot at the championship! Our team at The Outlet Sports Ventures has been doing an awesome job, giving our members and readers loads of great info and winning picks, and that's not stopping now! In this article, we're diving into a Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions prediction for the NFL Week 18 game on Sunday, January 5th at Ford Field.
Can the Vikings Keep Winning?
All season long, people haven't given the Vikings a chance, but they just keep winning. They've racked up nine straight wins, and Sam Darnold is playing like an MVP candidate, leading the Vikings' offense to success. In their last game against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings scored 27 points. Even though they let the Packers back into the game, which they tend to do, they still came out on top. Darnold completed 33 of his 43 passes for 377 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Justin Jefferson has been battling double teams all season, but he still snagged eight passes for 92 yards. The Vikings are putting up an average of 26.4 points, while their defense is letting in 18.8 points per game. The offense is sitting at 9th in the rankings, and the defense is at 4th. This season, Darnold has thrown for 4,143 yards, with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He really needs to step up his game here.
Can the Lions Defense Step Up?
The Lions are great at racking up points, but their defense needs some work this season. They played against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night and, even though they won, the defense didn’t look great. The offense put up 40 points, but the defense allowed 34. Quarterback Brock Purdy hit 26 of his 34 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs had 18 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. This season, the Lions are averaging 33.3 points while their defense is letting in 20.8 points per game. The offense is ranked 1st in the league, but the defense is sitting at 9th. On 4th downs this season, they’re converting 68.9% of the time, which is 5th in the NFL.
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
Game Prediction!
The Pick: Minnesota Vikings ML +130
The first time these teams played this season, the Vikings lost because of a last-second field goal, but that's not happening again. This game is all about the defense, and the Lions just let the 49ers score 34 points, even though their offense hasn't been great. Justin Jefferson is going to have a field day against the Lions' defense, and you won't need to worry about the points here. The Vikings are going to score at least 35 points and come out on top. Bet on the Vikings to win.
Why the Vikings Will Beat the Lions
The Vikings have won each of their last eight Sunday games.
The Vikings have covered the spread in each of their last four games.
The Lions have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games as home favorites against NFC North opponents.
The Lions have lost the first quarter in four of their last six Sunday games as favorites.
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