The Minnesota Vikings (7-8) host the Detroit Lions (8-7) in the middle game of the Week 17 NFL Christmas tripleheader on Thursday, December 25. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will stream on Netfix.
The Lions are 7.5-point favorites over the Vikings on the spread (Lions -7.5), with the over/under set at 43 total points. Detroit is a -360 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +290 to pull off the upset.
Below, you can find our Lions vs Vikings picks for NFL Week 17 (Christmas), which include predictions for the over/under and three player props — including two anytime touchdowns.
Lions vs Vikings Picks & Predictions
| Game | Time (ET) | Best Bet |
|---|---|---|
  | 4:30 p.m. | |
| 4:30 p.m. | |
| 4:30 p.m. | |
| 4:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Lions vs Vikings Odds
- Lions vs Vikings Moneyline: Lions -360, Vikings +290
- Lions vs Vikings Spread: Lions -7.5, Vikings +7.5
- Lions vs Vikings Total: 43
NFL odds via bet365
Lions vs Vikings Over/Under Prediction
By Bet Labs
The system "Low Indoor Totals Go Over" is built on the idea that when NFL games are played in domes with low posted totals — such as Lions-Vikings at 43 — the environment strongly favors offensive production.
Indoor settings eliminate weather variables — like wind, rain, cold — which often suppress scoring outdoors. When oddsmakers set totals below 45 in these controlled atmospheres, they may undervalue the consistency of passing attacks.
With teams like the Saints, Vikings, Lions, or Colts, who are accustomed to dome play, the pace and rhythm of offenses are more reliable and efficiency increases.
This leads to inflated chances of overs hitting when totals are artificially low since both teams are more likely to sustain drives and finish possessions without the disruptions common to outdoor football.
This total opened at 47.5, but the Vikings going to Max Brosmer at quarterback, who was disastrous in his first start this season, for the injured J.J. McCarthy has deflated it all the way to 42.5.
Pick: Over 42.5 (-118)
Lions vs Vikings Anytime Touchdown Pick
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been hit or miss this season, but the target volume is too good to pass this bet up at plus odds.
St. Brown is right behind Davante Adams for the NFL lead in red-zone targets, with 31 on the season. St. Brown has been better vs. zone coverage, which the Vikings have played at a high rate.
I have St. Brown at over a 50% chance of scoring.
Pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+115)
Lions vs Vikings Player Props: Max Brosmer
By Grant Neiffer
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but I'm hammering the Max Brosmer ladder on Christmas.
While some people may be concerned with how he played against the Seahawks (when he had four interceptions), I'm not concerned at all. That was one of the toughest matchups in the league, and it was outdoors.
Brosmer gets the Lions with a beat-up secondary in a dome. The Lions are 7.5-point favorites and have historically been a pass-funnel defense, which means that Brosmer should be forced to pass the ball a lot.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has simplified the offense in recent weeks, which is why we've seen J.J. McCarthy have much more success, and I assume that he continues that in this game.
I have Brosmer projected for over 200 yards, and I'm hitting the ladder all the way to 320 yards.
Pick: Max Brosmer Over 176.5 Passing Yards (-113)
Lions vs Vikings Anytime TD Prop
By Grant Neiffer
Jalen Nailor doesn't get a ton of targets, but the volume in the red zone has been there this season; he's also been playing plenty of snaps.
Nailor has four touchdowns on the season and has 12 red-zone targets. The matchup vs. the Lions is great, as their secondary is beat up and they are a pass-funnel defense.
The Vikings will likely be trailing, forcing them into a passing game script.
I have Nailor's true odds to score around +400.
Pick: Jalen Nailor Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+600)
