The Detroit Lions (3-8-1 and losers of four straight games) limp into U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday to play a Minnesota Vikings (8-4) team still stinging from a second-half collapse Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lions-Vikings odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for this matchup.
Detroit at Minnesota: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes
Looking to place a bet on this game or others? Sign up at BetMGM!
- Detroit is 4-5 against the spread in its last nine games, much better than its 1-8 straight-up record in that span.
- Minnesota won four of its last five games when favored by double digits. It was 2-2-1 ATS in those games.
- The Lions have scored 20 or more points in nine of their 12 games.
- Minnesota is 7-1 against the moneyline as a favorite and 5-3 against the spread in those games.
- The Vikings have won 10 straight games against teams with a losing record.
- Detroit is one of only three teams that have led at some point in every game this season, joining the San Francisco 49ers (10-2) and Kansas City Chiefs (8-4).
Detroit at Minnesota: Key injuries
Vikings WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) has yet to practice, but head coach Mike Zimmer said Thursday he has a good chance to play Sunday. RB Dalvin Cook (chest) has been limited in practice.
The biggest injury issue in Detroit is QB Matthew Stafford (hip/back), who is expected to miss his fifth straight game.
Detroit at Minnesota: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Minnesota 34, Detroit 16
Moneyline (?)
Minnesota is a gigantic favorite (-667), which takes most bettors out of the running due to lack of interest in the small return of $1.50 on a $10 bet. The Lions (+480) will need a miracle to win, but they’ve beaten Minnesota in two of three meetings at US Bank Stadium.
A small bet on Detroit would yield almost a 5-to-1 return on investment, but with David Blough making his second start, the best advice is to AVOID.
Against the Spread (?)
Minnesota (-115) is a 12.5-point favorite and still giving away worse betting odds than the Lions (-106). It’s a big number, but the Vikings are 5-0 at home and won those games by an average of 13.6 points. The Lions are on their third QB and a free-agent running back going up against a strong defense. Lay the points with the LIONS (-12.5, -115).
Over/Under (?)
This one is kind of a mystery at 42.5 points (Over: -115, Under: -106). Minnesota is averaging more than 29 points per game at home, the Lions have averaged 19 PPG without Stafford and, when the team met in October, they combined for 72 points. Unless you believe Detroit is going to score 10 or less, take the OVER (-115).
Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]