Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Expert Picks
The Lions had a win ripped away from them by the Vikings earlier in the season, but they got the money. No wins in 2021, but they’re 7-4 ATS. They’re up for a fight. The Vikings are without RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder), and the problem for them all season is not being able to put anyone away. They played good teams well and drop to the level of the bad teams they face. The Lions have covered their last three. Expect the streak to continue.
The Under has hit on all but one of Detroit’s last nine outings, and only two games in that stretch produced as many points as this total. The latest three Lions games have averaged 28.3 points. Without injured RB D’Andre Swift, Detroit could be confined to single digits. Minnesota’s offense is superior to most others, but yards-gobbling RB Dalvin Cook, also injured, will be sorely missed.
Every Vikings game but for two has been decided by under 8 points this season. While the Lions will not have D'Andre Swift, they are on extra rest and Jared Goff should be healthier. The Vikes won't have Dalvin Cook and perhaps also sans left tackle Christian Darrisaw and linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Detroit can manage to lose by only a TD and it's not out of the question the Lions win. This rising to 7.5 temporarily was why jumping now.
This will be the Vikings' fourth road game in five weeks, with two on the West Coast. The Lions, who receive three extra days of rest after playing on Thanksgiving, are allowing 4.3 yards per rush (Minnesota 4.8). The Lions have the better offensive line, defensive line, and total defense, per Football Outsiders. If D'Andre Swift doesn't play, Jamaal Williams is more than capable. The Vikings defense will be without Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter and Patrick Peterson. Hunter and Griffen had three sacks and one forced fumble combined in the first matchup. Teams are 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS after playing the 49ers this season. The Vikings play Thursday so no reason to win by margin. Take the winless home underdog with the better defense.