Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings

Head to head

Super Bowl odds4.1%1.4%
Power rating9186
Contender tier

Preview

How it plays out

Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings is a NFC North rivalry game, the kind where the records can go out the window. On paper this is about as lopsided as it gets: Detroit Lions at 76% to Minnesota Vikings's 24%, spread DET -4.

Tactically, Detroit Lions will want to lean on balanced scoring to attack Minnesota Vikings, whose interior line is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Minnesota Vikings's blitz-heavy defense could punish Detroit Lions if pass rush health goes unaddressed. Whoever wins that exchange likely wins the game.

Keep an eye on Jared Goff (QB) and J.J. McCarthy (QB): the two most likely to decide it with a single play. With Lions at home, the model already bakes in roughly a field-goal's worth of home-field edge.

Key players

DET Lions

JGJared Goff
Jared Goff
QB · Pro Bowl
ASAmon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown
WR · All-Pro
PSPenei Sewell
Penei Sewell
OT · All-Pro

MIN Vikings

JJJustin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson
WR · OPOY
JMJ.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy
QB · First-rounder
JGJonathan Greenard
Jonathan Greenard
EDGE · Pro Bowl

Frequently asked

Who is favored in Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Our model favors the Detroit Lions, with a 76% win probability over the Minnesota Vikings (24%). The projected spread is DET -4.

What is the prediction for Lions vs Vikings?

Our model favors Detroit Lions (76%) over Minnesota Vikings (24%), spread DET -4: a clear mismatch on paper.

What are the moneyline odds for Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings?

Implied from our model's win probabilities, the Detroit Lions are -317 and the Minnesota Vikings are +317 on the moneyline.

Who are the key players to watch in Lions vs Vikings?

Watch Jared Goff (QB) for the Lions and Justin Jefferson (WR) for the Vikings.

Is Lions vs Vikings a divisional game?

Yes. Both the Lions and Vikings play in the NFC North, so this is a division matchup with playoff-seeding and tiebreaker stakes.