It’s been a bizarre year for the Vikings as they opened the season being mocked after trading for Sam Bradford, then posted five straight wins to start the season, only to follow that up with four straight losses. They’ll hope a Week 11 win over the Cardinals will start another win streak as they head to Detroit to take on the Lions. There’s lots on the line in this Thanksgiving Day clash as the teams sit tied atop the NFC North standings.
- The Vikings are 21-8 SU in their last 29 games against the Lions.
- The Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last five games on Thursday.
- The Vikings are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games on the road against teams with winning records.
A month ago the Vikings would have been favored in this game but the Lions are on a serious roll that’s seen them go 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six games. That includes a 22-16 win in Minnesota where the Vikings were favored by five, and as a result, Minny opened as 2.5-point underdogs. As road underdogs, the Vikings have been money, posting a 9-1 ATS record in their last 10 games in that spot.
Given the small spread, it’s worth noting that the Lions have an average scoring margin of just +2.6 points in home games this season, while on the road the Vikings have an average scoring margin of -1.2 points.
The total for the game opened as easily the smallest of the three Thanksgiving Day games at 43. These teams have gone UNDER in five of their last six games against each other, including their game earlier this month when they combined for 38 points.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The point spread was settled in at -2.5 for the host Detroit Lions earlier in the week, according to Sportsbook. The over under betting line was hovering around 42, with odds movement expected during the week at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 25-17 win for the Lions. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Minnesota Vikings have seen them go 6-4 and 6-4 ATS so far this season, while the Detroit Lions are at 6-4 and 6-4 ATS. In totals betting, the Lions are 4-6, while the Vikings are 4-6. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Detroit vs Minnesota injuries news.
The Detroit Lions sit at No. 20 in the current NFL Power Rankings here at Odds Shark, while the Minnesota Vikings are at No. 9 on that chart.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Detroit Lions No. 17-ranked offense (23.1 PPG) against a Minnesota Vikings defense that ranks No. 2 at 17.6 PPG. The Lions passing attack has averaged 252.2 yards per game, more than the Vikings give up through the air (206.1 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Minnesota Vikings own the league's No. 18-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 111.2 yards per game when on the road. Detroit, on the other hand, rates No. 29 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Vikings grabbed a Week 11 victory over the Cardinals in their last game, winning 30-24 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Lions grabbed a Week 11 victory over the Jaguars in their last game, winning 26-19 at Ford Field.
- Minnesota is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games
- Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Minnesota is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
- Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
- Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Minnesota home to Dallas, Thursday, December 1st
Detroit at New Orleans, Sunday, December 4th