The Detroit Lions are hosting the Minnesota Vikings in the last game of the NFL regular season. The Vikings are coming off a great divisional win over the Green Bay Packers, 27-25, and are on a nine-game winning streak. On the flipside, the Lions are coming off a revenge game against the San Francisco 49ers, 40-34. This game has the potential to be the game of the year, in terms of star power and importance of the game. The winner of this game wins the NFC North and gets the number one seed in the NFC. Will Detroit secure home-field advantage throughout, or will the Vikings keep the SKOL chants rolling in the postseason?
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Minnesota Vikings | +2.5 (-102) | Over 56.5 (-105) | +130 |
| Detroit Lions | -2.5 (-120) | Under 56.5 (-115) | -154 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Match Details
- Fixture: Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
- Date and Time: January 5th, 2025 @ 8:20 PM EST
Key Stats
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a big-time divisional win against the Green Bay Packers, 27-25. Sam Darnold was excellent once again by completing 33 of 43 passes for 377 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception. Justin Jefferson led the team in catches Jordan Addison was great with 6 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Nailor had his best game of the season. Nailor caught 5 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. When this offense is clicking, they are one of the best in the NFL. I didn’t even mention Aaron Jones who can be a force on the ground.
Despite their offense being one of the best in the NFL, their defense has also been lights out. They rank 4th in points allowed per game, 28th in passing yards allowed per game, 2nd in rushing yards allowed per game, 6th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 3rd in sacks, and 1st in takeaways per game. In terms of injuries, this is one of the healthier teams in the NFL. There aren’t any notable players who are questionable on the injury report. This game is one of the more interesting games of the NFL season based on the stakes of this game. The winner gets the one seed in the NFC.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are coming off a “revenge” game win against the San Francisco 49ers, 40-34. Jared Goff has been excellent all season long and continued in this game. He completed 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs was sensational. He finished the game with 163 yards from scrimmage, 117 rushing, 46 receiving, and a rushing touchdown. Jameson Williams was great with 5 catches for 77 yards. Jamo also scored 2 touchdowns, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving. Detroit has been one of, if not, the best offense in the NFL. I am excited to see these two offenses in this game.
This Detroit defense has been injured most of the season. They are ranked 9th in points allowed per game, 31st in passing yards allowed per game, 3rd in rushing yards allowed per game, 9th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 24th in sacks, and 8th in takeaways per game. When you mention players who are questionable entering this game, Kalif Raymond and Craig Reynolds are on the injury report on offense. On defense, Alex Anzalone is listed as questionable and could play for the first time since November 17th. That would be a massive addition to a defense that has been riddled with injuries.
Prediction
The Detroit Lions are going to win this game and over the 2.5-point spread in this game against the Minnesota Vikings. This is such an interesting game that has everything on the line. You have star power on both sides, two great offenses, and two good/great defenses. This should be the game of the year.
The reason I am taking Detroit in this matchup is that Jared Goff will make one more play than Sam Darnold will. The Vikings turn the ball over and the Linos don’t. That is THE stat to look at. The Lions win this game by a field goal as the Detroit Lions win the NFC North and secure the number one seed in the NFC.
