Vikings vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can David Montgomery, Lions Bounce Back?
The Minnesota Vikings face the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Can David Montgomery and the Lions bounce back after last week's loss? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - January 3, 2024, 12:32 PM EST
5 minVikings vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can David Montgomery, Lions Bounce Back?
The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Detroit Lions with a slight chance of making the postseason.
The Vikings would have to beat the Lions. After that, Minnesota would need the Bears to defeat the Packers, the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks, and the Buccaneers to lose to the Panthers (Or the Saints to lose to the Falcons).
Therefore, it's unlikely that the Vikings make the postseason.
For many teams, facing teams that have already clinched the postseason is fun in Week 18. Most starters don't play, and you get to be the superior team.
However, Dan Campbell acknowledged that the Lions will play their starters for this game. This game won't be as easy for Minnesota as the Vikings hoped.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Minnesota Vikings vs, Detroit Lions.
Vikings vs. Lions Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 7, 2024
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Vikings vs. Lions Odds
- Spread: Vikings +3 (-110), Lions -3 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 46 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Vikings (+145), Lions (-170)
Vikings vs. Lions Injury Report
Vikings
Questionable: DT Jaquelin Roy (Ankle), CB Byron Murphy Jr. (Knee), WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion), S Theo Jackson (Toe), G Ed Ingram (Shoulder)
Out: LB Troy Dye (Wrist), OLB D.J. Wonnum (Quadriceps)
Lions
Questionable: WR Jameson Williams (Ankle), TE Brock Wright (Hip), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Pectoral)
Out: DL Alim McNeill (Knee), G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Back)
Vikings vs. Lions Prediction
If the Lions are actually playing their starters, Detroit will be in good shape on Sunday at home.
The Lions are 11-5 on the season and have performed much better offensively this season. Detroit has more weapons despite Minnesota having Justin Jefferson on its side.
The Vikings have unfortunately been hit with the injured bug this year. They lost Kirk Cousins for the year and didn't have Justin Jefferson for an extended period. More recently, T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL and is out for the rest of the season.
Minnesota has used four different quarterbacks. But last week's quarterback, Jaren Hall, put the Vikings in the worst possible position. He struggled throughout the entire first half and was benched for Nick Mullens after the Packers earned a heavy lead on the road early.
The Vikings have lost three straight games and won't provide any hints on who the quarterback will be this week.
After watching Hall agaisnt the Packers, there's a good chance we'll see Mullens back at quarterback this week. Or the Vikings can consider returning to Joshua Dobbs, who led them to a couple of wins earlier in the season.
Detroit's secondary hasn't always been good this year. But the pass rush and run defense has been. No matter who the Vikings play at quarterback, they will struggle against that Detroit line up front.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have struggled against the run this season, allowing over 100 yards per game. It doesn't seem so bad on paper, but they've missed plenty of tackles and have given up some big plays on the ground.
Detroit has a fantastic two-headed monster at running back between David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Both could end up with over 1,000 yards rushing on the season.
Therefore, I'll back the Lions at home at -3.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Pick
- Lions -3 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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