The Detroit Lions (0-4) go on the road to play the Minnesota Vikings (1-3) in a game that may be a FRO battle (For Relatives Only) at U.S. Bank Stadium; kickoff will be at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Below, we look at the Lions vs Vikings odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Lions lost three of their four games by 8 or more points, including two against NFC North rivals on the road. They played their best ball of the season against the Baltimore Ravens only to lose on an NFL record 66-yard field goal.
Minnesota is much more of a hard-luck story. The Vikings have outscored their opponents but are 1-3 on the season due to being snake-bit at critical times. Minnesota has the talent on both sides of the ball to win, but has never been able to get both of them working together. The Vikings could make the case they should be 3-1 or even 4-0, but your record says who you are and Minnesota is 1-3 for a reason.
Lions at Vikings odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Lions +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Vikings -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions +9.5 (-102) | Vikings -9.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Lions at Vikings key injuries
Lions
- RB D’Andre Swift (groin) questionable
- RB Jamaal Williams (hip) questionable
- TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) questionable
- OT Penei Sewell (ankle) questionable
- LB Trey Flowers (knee) questionable
Vikings
- DT Michael Pierce (elbow) out
- RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) questionable
- WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (toe) out
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Lions at Vikings odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Vikings 31, Lions 17
Money line
Minnesota is such a prohibitive favorite at -500, you’d be wrong to bet big to get a 20% return on investment. Detroit is so banged up on offense that it makes it virtually impossible to endorse taking the Lions as heavy underdogs.
AVOID this bet
Against the spread
The strength of the Vikings this season has been stringing together offensive drives of 10 or more plays. They haven’t been protecting leads much, but the Lions have been outscored 69-27 in the first half, consistently digging themselves a hole they can’t get out of.
With Detroit so hobbled at key positions on offense (top two running backs, top receiver and left tackle), if the Vikings can open a lead early like everyone else has, head coach Mike Zimmer’s defense will be in full attack mode. Take the VIKINGS -9.5 (-122).
Over/Under
The Vikings defense has shown marked improvement over the last two games against better offenses (Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns). With an Over/Under of 49.5, Detroit has to do its part to get to that number.
The Lions don’t look capable of scoring 21 or more points and if Minnesota has a double-digit lead, it will take the air out of the ball. Take the UNDER 49.5 (-110)
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