Lions vs. Vikings Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds
The Detroit Lions will head to Minnesota for an NFC North clash with the Vikings on Sunday afternoon. Can Jared Goff and the Lions hand the Vikings their first loss of the season today? Matt McCuen thinks so, and is targeting the underdog Detroit squad in his Lions vs. Vikings prediction and pick.
Matt McCuen - October 20, 2024, 10:03 AM EDT
5 minLions vs. Vikings Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds
The Minnesota Vikings will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon for a highly anticipated NFC North battle. Entering the season, few people thought this would be the game of the week. There is no doubt that these two teams have been the best teams in the NFC after six weeks.
The Lions roll into this contest with a 5-1 record on the season. Detroit broke a three-decade drought by winning the NFC North last season and reaching the postseason. Dan Campbell's squad reached the NFC Championship, but they lost in a thriller to the San Francisco 49ers.
Early in the season, Detroit appears to be a Super Bowl-caliber team. The Lions rank first in points scored per game (30.2). Detroit has averaged a league-best 36.3 points per game over the last three weeks.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds
- Spread: Lions +1.5 (-110), Vikings -1.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 50.5 (-110), U 50.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Lions (+100), Vikings (-120)
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: October 20, 2024
- Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where To Watch: FOX
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction
Jared Goff has been sharp to begin the year, throwing for 1,330 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions.
David Montgomery has rushed for a team-best 351 yards and six touchdowns.
Former Alabama standout Jameson Williams leads the squad with 365 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
The Lions defense ranks 8th in points allowed per game (18.2).
Minnesota starts this contest with a perfect 5-0 record. The Vikings remain the only unbeaten team in the NFC. The only other unbeaten team in the NFL is the Kansas City Chiefs. Few people had the Vikings to be unbeaten after five games on their bingo cards entering the 2024 season.
Kevin O’Connell has done an outstanding job with this team, and it would take an epic collapse for the Vikings not to reach the postseason. The Vikings are coming off a bye. Their last game was in London, where they defeated the New York Jets 23-17.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has looked like a new player in Minnesota purple. Darnold has thrown for 1,111 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Veteran Aaron Jones will return from injury this afternoon. The former Green Bay Packer has rushed for 350 yards and one touchdown.
Justin Jefferson has been Darnold's favorite target. Jettas has racked up 450 yards and four touchdowns.
Minnesota has allowed 15.2 points per game, ranking fourth in scoring defense.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Pick
- Pick: Detroit Lions ML +105 Click here for the latest Lions vs. Vikings odds
We are getting tremendous value from the Lions today.
Minnesota has been a great story early in the season, but they are due for regression sooner rather than later.
The Lions enter this contest with the best offense in football, and I expect Minnesota to struggle to get stops today.
Minnesota's offense is not built for a back-and-forth high-scoring affair.
The game script will favor Detroit, who will hand Minnesota its first loss of the season today.
