Sunday Night Football Picks: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
One game for the #1 seed this Sunday night! We have so much in front of us with New Year's Eve, the college football playoff, and NFL action on Saturday and Sunday, but I can't help but get ahead of myself.
The Minnesota Vikings haven't lost a game since Week 7 when Jake Bates of the Detroit Lions kicked the go-ahead, game-winning 44-yard field goal with just 15 seconds remaining. This was a heartbreaker, because Sam Darnold and the Vikings had fought back from 11 down in the 3rd quarter to take the lead, only to lose it soon after.
I guess you have to award Minnesota the most consistent team of the season. They were losers for less than 100 hours because they lost the following Thursday to the Rams. A month before that and a few after, all they did was win.
Injuries have mounted significantly for the Detroit Lions, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They lost their best defensive lineman, their best linebacker, and their best member of the secondary. All three of these guys are on the injured reserve. Not to mention, bruising back David Montgomery will only be able to return in the postseason.
Minnesota lost their star left tackle in October but have held it together, of course, as they go for 10 consecutive victories this Sunday night in The Motor City.
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Minnesota Vikings (+2.5) at Detroit Lions (-2.5)
The betting odds opened up at (-3) for the home Lions, and it didn't take long for the Viking money to come in at that number. Since the opening, we've seen 72% of the money and 68% of the tickets for the Vikings.
It's still headed in that direction, too. I see a couple of (+2)'s at the Las Vegas sportsbooks right now.
Moneyline Odds
Minnesota Vikings: +125
Detroit Lions: -145
Remember, Dan Campbell made a decision "For the team" when he chose to play the starters hard throughout the matchup with the 49ers on Monday night. He was already on a short week with a banged-up team, knowing the Lions own the tiebreaker, and still went all out to beat San Francisco.
Clearly, the more important game is against Minnesota. Campbell is a man of character and he didn't want to send the message that some of his players are more important than others. I don't understand that. They have salaries. They have a depth chart. Does the backup quarterback take half the snaps at practice? Of course not.
I swear the man’s heart is bigger than he is.
Point Total: 56.5
The point total opened at 51.5. When I set up the outline for this article, we were at 58.5. That’s the largest betting odds for a point total we’ve seen in the NFL in 6 years. There’s been buyback on both sides now.
With the Detroit Lions' defense as maligned as they are, I lean towards the over.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Betting Analysis
Both quarterbacks are statistically having MVP seasons. Neither, however, has been called to be that guy, the gamebreaker, the cheat code type of play that we see from Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. Sometimes, especially this season, those two have had to carry their teams.
That hasn't and likely won't be the case for the Lions or the Vikings on Sunday Night.
Football. Each team has capable weaponry on the outside, in the slot, and at the tight end position.
Vikings' running back Aaron Jones is questionable, but we may see him play and potentially be pushed. A win for either team this week will be awarded a bye in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Betting Pick
This game played out closely in the final minutes of the first meeting. The Lions' defense is significantly more injured this time around, and short weeks count even when you're healthy. Minnesota had a big game on Sunday against the Pack, yes, but they were on cruise control for most of the second half.
Returning to the first meeting of Detroit and Minnesota this year, Alex Anzalone led the Lions in tackles that day. He's out. Now, enter T.J. Hockenson, Vikings' tight end who completes their offense.
Was that too hot of a take, or is the proof in the pudding, pops?
Darnold started the season pretty hot but still averaged just 230 yards per game prior to Hockenson's return in early November. Since then, Darnold is averaging nearly 50 more passing yards per game at 279.2!
If you can get the Vikings to go over their team total of 28.5 or under, I would take it, but those odds haven't been released yet.
I like the Vikings and the points here. Campbell may have shot himself in the foot once again by playing his starters on Monday night.
Pick: Minnesota Vikings (+2.5)
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