Vikings vs Lions prediction and analysis

Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview

The Vikings (7-8) arrive off a narrow 16-13 win over the Giants and a three-game winning streak that revived their late-season hopes. Minnesota’s offense has been conservative this year — averaging roughly 20 points per game with just under 174 passing yards and 103 rushing yards per contest — and the unit has been dependent on Justin Jefferson to generate chunk plays (72 catches, 917 yards entering Week 17 in the referenced data). Quarterback availability is the key storyline: JJ McCarthy is dealing with a hand injury and Max Brosmer has already seen action this season. If Brosmer starts, Minnesota’s downfield timing and red‑zone efficiency will likely shrink, increasing reliance on the run and short passing game.

Recommended Sports Betting Sites

Detroit Lions Betting Preview

Detroit (8-7) still controls its playoff destiny but is sliding after losing three of four, most recently a 29-24 setback to Pittsburgh. The offense is stout on paper, scoring about 30 points per game with Jared Goff piling up yardage (4,036 passing yards, 32 TDs, 5 INTs per the provided data) and Amon‑Ra St. Brown serving as a reliable go‑to. Jahmyr Gibbs has become an impactful scoring threat out of the backfield. The Lions’ defense, however, has been porous at times — they allowed a 41-point game to the Rams and gave up 481 yards to Pittsburgh — which makes road life tougher if their offense stalls.

Key Matchups and Trends

• Quarterback situation: Minnesota’s offensive ceiling hinges on McCarthy’s availability. A Brosmer start materially lowers expected scoring and turnover avoidance for the Vikings.
• Lions passing attack vs. Vikings secondary: Goff’s ability to sustain drives and attack downfield favors Detroit, especially with playmakers like St. Brown and Jameson Williams stretching coverage.
• Ground game and time of possession: Both teams feature productive runners this season. If Minnesota leans on the run to protect an inexperienced QB, the pace could slow and favor Detroit’s offense by limiting Vikings possessions.
• Situational trends: The Lions have historically covered as road favorites and perform well in must‑win spots; the Vikings have struggled as Thursday underdogs in recent memory. Additionally, recent December games for both sides have tended to push totals higher.

Betting Angles

Bookmakers list Minnesota as a +7.5 underdog with an Over/Under near 43.5 in the referenced line. Two clear betting angles emerge:

• Side: Take Detroit as the safer win/cover candidate if McCarthy is questionable or out. The Lions’ offense should be able to exploit matchup advantages and the Vikings’ inexperience under center. Expect Detroit to be favored by roughly a touchdown in performance.
• Total: Historical December games for both teams and the Lions’ high-scoring profile suggest a lean toward the OVER. If McCarthy plays, Minnesota’s offense could add enough points to make the total less dependent on the Lions’ output.

Final Prediction

Given the combination of Detroit’s offensive firepower, Minnesota’s quarterback uncertainty and the situational edge for the Lions (must-win mentality, strong road-favorite track record), I expect Detroit to control enough of the game to cover a short spread. Minnesota can grind out some drives on the ground, but without McCarthy’s rhythm the Vikings are unlikely to match Detroit point-for-point. Also anticipate both teams combining for more than the 43.5 projected total because the Lions will force volume and the Vikings will find short-field scoring opportunities.

Prediction: Detroit Lions -8. Total: Over 43.5.