In this article we will formulate a Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, October 20th at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 7 matchup.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0 this season after they defeated the Jets by a score of 23-17 in their last game. Minnesota jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, but they needed a stop late in the game to secure the victory. The Vikings were outgained by a total of 254-253, won the turnover battle 3-2, and went 4-13 on third down in the game. Sam Darnold threw for 179 yards and one interception, while Justin Jefferson caught six passes for 92 yards.
Minnesota has also defeated San Francisco, Houston, Green Bay, and the Giants during their undefeated start to the season. The Minnesota offense has scored 27.8 points per game with 207.8 passing yards and 115.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 15.2 points per game this season. The Vikings have gone 40.7% on third down and 2-4 on fourth down through five games. Sam Darnold has completed 63.5% of his passes for 1,111 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Aaron Jones (Q) has rushed for 350 yards and one score.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions are 4-1 this year after they defeated the Cowboys by a score of 47-9 last week. Detroit trailed 3-0 early in the game, but they scored the next 27 points to pull away and they cruised to the blowout victory. The Lions outgained Dallas by a total of 492-251, won the turnover battle 5-0, and went 4-10 on third down in the game. Jared Goff threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns, while Jameson Williams caught three passes for 76 yards and one score.
Detroit also has wins over Arizona, Seattle, and the Rams, but they did lose to Tampa Bay in their second game. The Detroit offense has scored 30.2 points per game with 258.2 passing yards and 157.8 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 18.2 points per game this season. The Lions have gone 44.8% on third down and 5-9 on fourth down so far this season. Jared Goff has completed 71.1% of his passes for 1,330 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions, while David Montgomery has rushed for 351 yards and six scores. The Lions did suffer a huge loss against Dallas, as Aidan Hutchinson was injured and is out for the season.
Why the Lions will cover
- The Lions have won each of their last 11 games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Vikings have lost each of their last three games as home favorites against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as underdogs against NFC North opponents.
- The Vikings have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five home games against NFC North opponents.
- The Lions have won the first quarter in each of their last four Week 7 games as underdogs against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have scored the first touchdown in eight of their last nine games.
- The Lions have won the first half in each of their last seven Sunday road games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lions’ last eight October road games against NFC North opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Vikings’ last eight games as favorites has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of the last seven games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Justin Jefferson has scored a touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last four games against NFC opponents.
- Sam Darnold has recorded 250+ passing yards in three of his last four appearances against NFC North opponents.
- T.J. Hockenson has recorded 55+ receiving yards in each of his last six appearances following a win.
- Aaron Jones has recorded 93+ rushing yards in seven of his last eight appearances against NFC opponents.
- Justin Jefferson has recorded 85+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last six October appearances with the Vikings as favorites.
- Sam Darnold has thrown two or more touchdowns in four of the Vikings’ last five games.
- Byron Murphy is just one away from 10 career interceptions.
Detroit Lions Player Prop Facts
- David Montgomery has scored the first touchdown in four of the Lions’ last five Sunday regular season road games.
- David Montgomery has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Lions’ last eight regular season games.
- Jared Goff has recorded 257+ passing yards in each of the Lions’ last eight games following a win.
- David Montgomery has recorded 12+ receiving yards in each of his last seven Sunday appearances with his team as a road underdog.
- Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 60+ rushing yards in each of the Lions’ last seven Sunday regular season road games.
- David Montgomery has recorded 69+ rushing and receiving yards in 12 of his last 13 road appearances against NFC North opponents.
- Jared Goff has thrown two or more touchdowns in four of the Lions’ last five October games against NFC opponents.
- Jared Goff has recorded 23+ completions in seven of his eight previous appearances against the Vikings.
- Heading into Week 7, Aidan Hutchinson ranks 1st in the NFL in sacks (7.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 7, the Vikings rank 1st in the NFL in interceptions (11) this season.
- Heading into Week 7, the Vikings are the only team in the NFL to rank top 5 for both interceptions and sacks this season.
- Heading into Week 7, the Lions rank 1st in the NFL in points per game (30.2) this season.
- Heading into Week 7, the Lions rank 1st in the NFL in Q3 points per game (8.2) this season.
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup with a perfect 5-0 record on the season and they will be at home for this huge NFC North game. The Vikings have had great quarterback play from Sam Darnold and they catch a break with the Lions not having Hutchinson on the defensive line. On the other side, Detroit has looked great offensively in their last two games, scoring a combined 89 points against Seattle and Dallas. I know the Lions’ defense is going to take a step back without Hutch, but if you are giving me points with the best offense in the NFL, I am going to take them. Back the Lions here.