Vikings vs Lions Picks & Odds: Can Detroit Continue Climb Back Into Contention?

Don’t look now, but the Detroit Lions (5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS) have fought their way back into the NFC playoff race after a 1-6 start to the season. The Lions look to cover their sixth straight game when they host the Minnesota Vikings (10-2, 6-5-1) at Ford Field.

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Vikings vs Lions Sportsbook Odds 

Although the Vikings were field-goal favorites on the look-ahead line, the spread had flipped to Detroit as short home chalk by the time of writing. There was also some significant early movement on the total, which had climbed to 53 by Monday night. Minnesota was a 6.5-point home favorite when these teams met in September and the total closed at 51.5.

Get the best Vikings vs Lions odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Tight Victory Over Jets Improves Minnesota To 9-0 SU In One-Possession Games

All but one of the Vikings’ 10 victories this year have come by a single possession, including last week’s 27-22 win over the Jets. Minnesota’s defense stopped New York in the red zone twice in the final two minutes, preserving the victory with an interception on the one-yard line.

Even if all their games seem to come down to the final two minutes, the Vikes are a sizzling 9-1 SU in their last 10 and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven.

The Vikings secondary could get a boost this week with the anticipated return of Cameron Dantzler from injured reserve. Minnesota has had to start rookie Akayleb Evans at corner during Dantzler’s absence but Evans left last week’s game after suffering his third concussion of the season.

Lions Offense Dominates Jacksonville Early In Detroit’s Sixth Straight Cover

They’re starting to talk playoffs in Detroit again following another Lions victory, this one a 40-14 rout of the Jaguars last week. Detroit scored on its first eight possessions vs the Jags to improve to 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last five games and move within two games of Seattle for the final wild-card spot in the NFC.

Jared Goff enjoyed one of his best outings of the season, completing 31 of 41 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns — two of them going to top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The offense had plenty of other contributors, including DJ Chark’s season-high five catches for 98 yards and a combined 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift.

Ford Field is where the Lions have been the most dangerous lately, covering nine of their last 11 overall and seven of eight as a home underdog. They’re also 7-0 ATS in their last seven games against NFC North rivals.

Vikings: Keys to Win

Minnesota has thrived in one-score games all season, so the Vikes should have an advantage if this game is close late. That was the case in their previous meeting this season, when Minnesota scored two late touchdowns to overcome a 24-14 fourth-quarter deficit.

Lions: Keys to Win

Detroit’s offense is the league’s best this season at scoring touchdowns in the red zone, and the Lions should get plenty of opportunities inside the 20 against a Minny defense that is 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed. Goff in particular could be in for a big day against the Vikes’ last-ranked secondary.

NFL Computer Pick: Vikings +2.5

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