Lions vs Vikings Prediction & Odds | NFL Week 16 Preview
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Lions vs Vikings Prediction & Odds | NFL Week 16 Preview
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-3 -105 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | -155 |
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+3 -115 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | +130 |
Lions vs Vikings odds have the Lions as three-point favorites on the spread with a game total of 47.5. My NFL pick is on the divisional home underdog.
Sunday serves us a big NFC North clash with the Lions traveling into Minnesota to face a Vikings team that has postseason aspirations.
The Lions sit three wins better than the Vikings in the NFC North and have all but sealed their spot in the playoffs. But for the Vikings, they know they need to keep on winning to secure their place. They currently have a 53% chance of making the playoffs, a win pushes that figure to 77%.
Let’s take a deep dive into the matchup and make a Lions vs Vikings prediction.
Lions vs Vikings Prediction
Pick: Vikings +3 |
The Lions started the season 8-2 and looked like a juggernaut, but in the past month they've been very hit or miss, going 2-2. The play of Jared Goff has been a concern. Two weeks ago in a loss to the Bears, Goff was picked twice, put up just 161 yards and had a QB rating of 54.6.
The Lions offense is always dangerous and has put up an average of 27.3 points per game, the fifth highest in the NFL and above the likes of the Bills and Eagles. The issue is their defense has allowed 23.6 points per game, which puts them only marginally better than the Giants. Detroit is ranked 15th in defensive DVOA, a stark contrast from its No. 6 offense.
This is an issue that could haunt Detroit in the playoffs, but its running game with the one-two punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is terrifying, and its passing game, when Goff is on form, can match nearly anyone.
Lions vs. Vikings Picks | FanDuel
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The Vikings have stuck with Nick Mullens as their starting quarterback after the 27-24 loss to the Bengals last week. Mullens looked good at times, completing 26-of-33 pass attempts, but with two interceptions, you have to question whether the turnovers will be an issue again.
Justin Jefferson's return was hyped, but despite picking up 84 yards against the Bengals, he still doesn't look quite right. The man who could really threaten Detroit is a former Lion — tight end T.J. Hockenson.
He's been a volume monster this season as the leading pass-catcher at the position and he hasn't dropped below six targets and 50 yards in a game since Week 4.
Lions vs. Vikings
Betting Picks & Predictions
I'm taking the Vikings and the points.
First, I think this is a team that knows it needs to bounce back and ultimately has more at stake. I think the key factor will be the Vikings defense. We don't talk about them with any great respect, but they've allowed just 19.2 points per game.
With Goff's form being patchy at best over the past month, we're going to see that Vikings defense really look to get after him. If they can pressure him into a few mistakes, Mullens will have a chance to win this game.
It's a going to be a close game whatever the outcome, but Vikings +3 feels like value.
Pick: Vikings +3 |
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