Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Preview:
The 14-2 Minnesota Vikings travel to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions in what could be labeled a winner-take-all game.
Should the Lions beat the San Fransisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, the winner of the Vikings and Lions game will be the NFC’s No.1 seed. The winner wins the NFC North and will get the first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl.
Whoever loses will be the No. 5 seed and will be on the road in the wild-card round.
Earlier in the season, when the team first met in Minnesota, the Lions won 31-29. The Lions beat the then-undefeated Vikings with a late field goal.
While both teams are playing great football, each team has had to battle through injury. Lions lost running back David Montgomery, who will likely be out until the playoffs. They also have suffered multiple injuries on defense.
The Vikings have injuries on the offensive line, but none more important than left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
Despite the injuries, both teams still have a chance at the No. 1 seed. As of Monday morning, the Detroit Lions are 3-point favorites, and the total is 52.5.
*Article written prior to the conclusion of Monday Night Football*
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How to Watch Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Live on Sunday:
- Date: Sunday, January 5th
- Time: 8:20 PM ET
- Site: Ford Field
- City: Detroit, MI
- TV/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Latest Game Odds for Vikings at Lions - Week 18:
The latest odds as of Monday morning courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: Detroit Lions (-145), Minnesota Vikings (+125)
- Spread: Lions -5
- Total: 47.5
NBC Sports Bet Best Bets:
NBC Sports analyst Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards taking Detroit Lions over 13.5 1st Half…
Thomas: “While it’s still early to lock in a bet for this game, I do have a strong lean on the Lions team total in the first half. They are the highest-scoring first-half team this season, averaging 18.7 points per game. This game is indoors, much like the first meeting between the two teams.
The Vikings are a very good football team, allowing the lowest first-half total in the NFL at 7.6. However, the Lions’ ability to beat them through the air gives me cause for concern for the Vikings. They could win the game but would likely have to outscore them because the Lions will be getting theirs.”
Vikings at Lions Team Stats, Betting Trends:
- The Vikings are 11-4-1 against the spread
- The Lions are 10-5-0 against the spread
- The Lions are 8-7-0 to the OVER
- The Vikings are 7-0-0 to the OVER
Quarterback Matchup for Vikings at Lions:
- Vikings: Sam Darnold – Darnold continues to play at an MVP level. He has thrown for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
- Lions: Jared Goff – Goff has enjoyed a career resurgence in Detroit. There’s no doubt that he’s the man in Detroit. This season, he’s thrown for 4,095 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Player News & Injuries:
Vikings:
- RB Aaron Jones (quads) is questionable
- LB Pat Jones II (knee) is questionable
Lions:
- RB David Montgomery (knee) is OUT
- LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) is on the IR
- WR Kalif Raymond (foot) is on the IR
- LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) is on the IR
- CB Carlton Davis III (jaw) is on the IR
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