Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds and Game Pick (2020)
Week 9 features an NFC North divisional matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Currently, the Vikings are the home favorites.
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Lions vs. Vikings Odds and Info
All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Opening Lines: MIN -2.5, O/U 55.0
Game Odds
View consensus picks from top betting experts for the Lions vs. Vikings >>
Overview
This matchup had an early week scare, with Matthew Stafford being placed on the COVID list. It was determined that he was not COVID positive, which means he will be able to join his team on Saturday and play this game. Still, he will not practice at all this week, and he will be taking a private jet to Minnesota. We will see just how important it is for the starting quarterback to practice, especially coming off a 20-point loss to the Colts last week. The other big news for the Lions was the injury to star wide receiver, Kenny Golladay, who is out for this game.
The Vikings are coming off a big divisional win against the Packers. The key to that game was feeding Dalvin Cook, who finished with four touchdowns on the day. That will likely be the key again for this game. However, the Vikings may also try to get the passing game going, with the Lions being bottom-half in yards per attempt allowed (7.1). Detroit also has a poor 3.91 percent sack rate, so Kirk Cousins shouldn’t be pressured too often this week.
Trends
- Detroit is 5-13 against the spread (ATS) in its last 18 games.
- The total has hit the under in six of Detroit’s last eight road games.
- Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
Prop Bet
All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.
2nd Quarter Total: Under 16 (-116)
These are two of the worst offensive second quarter teams in the NFL. The Vikings rank 29th, averaging just 5.1 second-quarter points this season. The Lions aren’t much better, averaging just 5.3 second-quarter points. With the Lions missing their most talented pass catcher and Stafford not practicing at all this week, I expect some offensive struggles for the Lions, which only helps this prop.
Bottom Line
I don’t think there’s any question who wins if the same Vikings team we saw last week shows up to play. However, they have been one of the most inconsistent teams this season. Still, no Kenny Golladay for Detroit really hurts that offense. The Lions will need to rely on their running game more. While Adrian Peterson returning to Minnesota is a great story, the Vikings’ 4.2 rushing yards per attempt allowed ranks 11th-best in the league. The Vikings’ strengths should match up well enough for them to cover in this game.
Pick: Vikings -4.5
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