The NFC North race heats up in Week 7 as the Detroit Lions face off against the Minnesota Vikings. NFL fans are in for a treat as the 4-1 Lions meet the 5-0 Vikings for the first time this season. Can Jared Goff and the Lions pull off the upset?
Find all my analysis and best bets for Lions vs Vikings, below.
Lions vs Vikings Odds Week 7
Lions vs Vikings Week 7 Picks
Lions +2.5
The Minnesota Vikings defense has flourished this season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit leads the league in points allowed per play, and sit third in points per game at just 15.3. Despite playing just five games, they're third in both sacks (20) and takeaways (13). Flores' exotic blitzing scheme has left some of the best quarterbacks in the game dazed and confused.
However, the Lions stellar offensive line sits third in both pass-block and rushing win rate. Detroit's offense is fourth in EPA per play, and are riding high after hanging 47 points on the Dallas Cowboys last week.
Aaron Glenn's defense have also played well. Detroit sits ninth in expected points added allowed, and second in opponent third-down percentage (29.63).
While the Vikings have played phenomenal football this season, I think the Lions are the more talented team. I'm betting a few of Ben Johnson's creative play designs can run Vikings defenders ragged on Sunday afternoon. Moreover, Jared Goff is an unreal 27-9 ATS in his last 36 starts indoors. Ride with the underdog Lions in Week 7.
Lions vs Vikings Week 7 Props
Jared Goff O254.5 Passing Yards (-113)
The aforementioned Goff has exceeded 254.5 passing yards in 10 of his last 12 games, averaging 274.4 yards per contest.
He's been unbelievable indoors this season averaging 282 passing yards a game. Goff lit up the Cowboys last week for 315 yards and three touchdowns, and was a perfect 18-for-18 for 292 yards and two more scores in his last outing against Seattle. I'm buying all the Goff stock I can get.