Vikings-Lions Betting Preview: Trust Minnesota to Keep Rolling vs. Stafford & Co.?

Betting odds: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

• Spread: Vikings -6
• Over/Under: 42.5
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• TV channel: FOX

Betting market: The Vikings have re-won the public’s heart after their slaughter of Miami. More than 60% of bettors are backing them as less than a touchdown favorite, but the line has remained in that inconsequential -4.5 to -6 range.

There’s yet to be any sharp indicators on either side, so I imagine the line remains in this range until some pros weigh in on the matter (see live betting data here). — Mark Gallant

Trends to know: In Matthew Stafford’s career, he is 20-28-3 ATS (41.7%) when facing NFC North opponents, making him the least profitable active QB against divisional opponents.

When Stafford’s opponent in this spot is above .500, the Lions are 10-18-1 ATS (35.7%), losing three consecutive games in this spot just this season. — Evan Abrams

Did you know? A loss to the Vikings would be the Lions’ 10th of the season and would give the team their 11th season of double-digit losses since 2000 and the fourth in the Matthew Stafford era.

From 1930-1999, Detroit only had 12 double-digit loss seasons. — John Ewing

Playoff picture: To clinch a playoff berth this week, the Vikings need to win and then have the Eagles lose/tie and the Redskins lose.

Even if those last two things don’t happen, Minnesota will still have a good shot to make the postseason, so long as it takes care of business against Detroit.

Our sims currently give the Vikings a 61.3% chance to play in January entering this week. — Scott T. Miller