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Lions vs Vikings: NFC North clash with the division title on the line
The Detroit Lions are three-point favorites when they visit the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day at US Bank Stadium, hoping to clinch the NFC North title. These two teams will finish the regular season with another matchup in Week 18.
Can the Lions secure the division title?
The Detroit Lions are on top of the NFC North with a 10-4 record and are on the way to winning the division title for the first time in 30 years. The Lions are coming off a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos, with QB Jared Goff throwing for 278 yards, and five touchdowns with a 134.6 rating. However, the real reason why the Lions are for real this season are the rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, who brought energy to the team. The Lions are third in the league in total yards per game and fifth in points per game.
Can the Vikings bounce back?
The Minnesota Vikings are second in the NFC North with a 7-7 record, which is quite good knowing that they lost starting quarterback Kirk Cousins two months ago with a torn Achilles tendon and have started two other QBs ever since. The Vikings are coming off a 27-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, which was their third loss in the last three games. Nick Mullens, who is expected to start against the Lions, had 303 passing yards.
Betting Trends
The Vikings have won 8 of the last 10 games against the Lions including the last five at home. Minnesota is 7-4-3 ATS overall this season and 4-1-2 as an underdog. Detroit is 1-3 ATS in division games this season.
Player to watch
The Vikings Danielle Hunter is third in the league with 15.5 sacks and is tied for fifth place in forced fumbles. The Vikings would need a big night from his linebacker to be able to slow down the Lions’ offense.
Injury Reports
CJ Gardner Johnson, Brock Wright, and Jerry Jacobs are out for the Lions while Jordan Hicks, Brian O’Neill, and Ivan Pace Jr. are questionable for the Vikings.
Prediction and Conclusion
This will be a game with playoff intensity as the Lions and the Vikings collide with the NFC North title on the line. The Lions are in a much better situation having three more wins than their opponents, but this game can quickly turn things around if Minnesota wins since both teams will play again in the last week of the season. There is no doubt that the Lions are the better team at the moment, but Minnesota has won 8 of the last 10 games against them, and the +3-point spread is something that the Vikings should cover.
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