Minnesota Vikings (5-6) vs. Detroit Lions (0-10-1)
December 5, 2021 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Detroit Lions +7 ; Over/Under: 47.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings square off Sunday afternoon in week 13 NFL action from Ford Field in Detroit. Minnesota is 2-1 in their last three games and coming off a loss to the 49ers. As for the Lions, they lost another tough one to the Bears back on Thursday. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Minnesota won just one of their first four games this year before bagging consecutive Ws over the Lions and Panthers. Since then the Vikings are 2-3 with wins over the Chargers and Packers alongside losses to the Cowboys, Ravens and 49ers.
Minnesota was able to keep up with the 49ers last weekend until a 20-12 third quarter. The Vikings never recovered in a 34-26 loss. QB Kirk Cousins put up 238 yards with two TDs, and Justin Jefferson caught four balls for 83 receiving yards.
Over on the Detroit side, their only non-loss this season was a 16-16 tie against the Steelers. Aside from that it’s been defeats by the 49ers, Packers, Ravens, Bears, Vikings, Bengals, Rams, Eagles, Browns and Bears again.
Back on Thursday against Chicago, Detroit had a fourth-quarter lead but ultimately couldn’t hold on during a 16-14 defeat. Jared Goff led the way on 171 yards and two scores, and Josh Reynolds added 70 yards and a TD.
The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 versus the NFC. Minnesota is 4-10 ATS in the last 14 on turf.
Meanwhile, the Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and 4-1 ATS in their last five as an underdog. Detroit is 5-2 ATS in their last seven versus the NFC North.
PICK: I’m going to try Detroit in this one. The Lions fought valiantly against the Bears on Thanksgiving, holding a 14-13 lead until late in the game. Detroit managed just 239 total yards, 14 first downs and 10 costly penalties in that one, though.
As for the Vikings, they had 323 yards against the 49ers with 2-of-8 on third-down tries and a pair of turnovers. Minnesota isn’t exactly an offensive powerhouse right now, so if the Lions can hang around like they have for the past couple of games I think they’ll be fine on a cover.
