Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 16 game
Jordan MendozaThe Detroit Lions (10-4) have a chance to lock up the NFC North for the first time in decades, but the Minnesota Vikings (7-7) will try to put those plans on hold when they host the division leader on Sunday.
The Lions looked like the dangerous team they were expected to be at the beginning of the season, as they thrashed the Denver Broncos 42-17 for their biggest win of the season. Now, Detroit can not only secure its first playoff spot since 2016, but a win would clinch the division for the first time in 30 years.
Minnesota's struggles continued last week as an overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals gave the Vikings their third loss in their last four games. Luckily, Minnesota is still holding onto a playoff spot, but a loss could drop them out of the standings, making Sunday a big game for the home crowd.
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Vikings vs. Lions odds, moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.
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- Spread: Lions (-3)
- Moneyline: Lions (-165); Vikings (+140)
- Over/under: 47
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NFL Week 16 odds, predictions and picks
Rams vs. Saints | Steelers vs. Bengals | Chargers vs. Bills | Falcons vs. Colts | Panthers vs. Packers | Texans vs. Browns | Vikings vs. Lions | Jets vs. Commanders | Titans vs. Seahawks | Buccaneers vs. Jaguars | Bears vs. Cardinals | Dolphins vs. Cowboys | Broncos vs. Patriots | Chiefs vs. Raiders | Eagles vs. Giants | 49ers vs. Ravens
Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 26, Vikings 20
The Vikings have not covered any of their last three games and Detroit seemed to return to form in a beatdown of the Broncos. The formula for Detroit seems to be pretty straightforward: early success rushing the ball leads to manageable distances on third downs, where the Vikings rank 23rd in the NFL in defensive third-down efficiency.
Tyler Dragon: Lions 30, Vikings 17
The Lions got back on track last week with a big win against Denver. Detroit’s third-ranked offense can move the ball down the field in a hurry. Jared Goff is approaching 4,000 passing yards, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are each getting closer to 1,000 rushing yards and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 1,175 receiving yards ranks fifth in the NFL entering Week 16. The Lions should beat the Vikings by at least two scores.
Safid Deen: Lions 26, Vikings 17
The Lions are hitting on all cylinders on both sides of the ball, and are primed to make some noise in the playoffs this season. They should easily beat the Vikings, who have admirably remained in the playoff picture despite their quarterback troubles.
Victoria Hernandez: Vikings 27, Lions 24
Even though the Lions had a dominant win last week, they are still one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. The Vikings have Justin Jefferson back and Jordan Addison is giving the star receiver a run for his money. Detroit hasn’t won this division matchup in Minnesota since 2017 and adds to that streak here.
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 27, Vikings 23
If the Detroit Lions team that showed up against Denver continues to play like that, it's going to be tough to beat. Minnesota's offense continues to show flashes of potential, but it's not able to keep up with the Lions as they win their first NFC North crown since 1993.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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