Lions vs. Vikings Week 14 Prediction
The Lions have led in every game this season but only have a 3-8 record to show for their efforts. Is Detroit a good value play today for bettors when it visits NFC North rival the Vikings at 1:00 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot
143 Detroit Lions (+13) at 144 Minnesota Vikings (-13); O/U 43.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 8
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota, MN
Public Betting Trends
According to our NFL Football Public Betting Chart page, the Vikings are receiving 51% of the betting tickets from online sportsbooks.
Detroit Lions Fantasy Spin
David Blough completed 22-of-38 passes for 280 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the Lions’ 24-20, Thanksgiving loss to the Bears. The UDFA out of Purdue stunned the world with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Kenny Golladay on the Lions’ opening possession. The Bears busted coverage and Blough did not miss. Blough then marched the offense down the field on its second series, finding Marvin Jones for an eight-yard score. From there on out, the good vibes slowly began to fade as the Lions managed just a pair of field goals. Blough was lucky to escape with only pick, as the Bears really began jumping his routes in the second half. The INT he did manage to toss was a game-ending jump ball. All things considered, it was an admirable effort from a player who should not have been in this situation, but if Matthew Stafford isn’t ready, the Lions figure to turn back to Jeff Driskel for Week 14 if he’s healthy. That game will be in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Spin
Speaking Thursday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Dalvin Cook (chest) will play against the Lions and “be close to 100 percent.” Cook has said all week that his health won’t be an issue for Week 14, and now his coach agrees. In a mini slump, Cook has a potential eruption spot in a Lions defense surrendering the third most running back fantasy points. The concern is that the Vikes build a big early lead and then give Cook a breather after his Week 13 scare. Regardless, Cook is a clear top-five play even with the injury question mark.
NFL Betting Trends
Detroit
The Lions are just 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games overall and have failed to cover in four of their last five games as an underdog.
Minnesota
The Vikings are 35-15-1 against the spread in their last 51 home games and have covered the spread in 20 of their last 28 home games when facing an opponent with a losing road record.
Prediction
The Lions have really struggled in this matchup, failing to cover in all four of their last four meetings with the Vikings. They’re also really banged up, as Matthew Stafford, Jeff Driskel, T.J. Hockenson and Kerryon Johnson are all on injured reserve. That’s their starting quarterback, their backup quarterback, their rookie tight end and their starting running back. The Vikings are not the team they have been defensively under Mike Zimmer but they should be extra salty after losing to the Seahawks in Seattle on Monday night. And again, with the success they’ve had versus the Lions in the past, I’ll lay the 13. The Lions have been competitive in every game they’ve been in this year but they’re due to lay an egg, especially this late in the year as they have nothing to play for.
NFL Week 14 Prediction: Minnesota Vikings -13