Among this week’s NFL games, few stand out quite like this one. On Sunday, Oct. 20, the Detroit Lions (4-1) will take on the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) in a must-see NFC North clash.
Detroit is coming off its best win of the season — a 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys — but it lost star DE Aidan Hutchinson in the process. Minnesota had a bye in Week 6 and is one of two remaining undefeated teams in the league along with the Kansas City Chiefs.
This is bound to be one of the best matchups of the week. Here are the latest Lions vs Vikings odds, plus my best bets and predictions.
Lions vs Vikings Odds
NFL odds are current as of Thursday, Oct. 17, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Lions (+100) vs Vikings (-120)
- Spread: Lions +1.5 (-110) vs Vikings -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-112) / Under 50.5 (-108)
Lions vs Vikings Prediction
Lions 30, Vikings 28
It’s not easy to pick against the Vikings. Minnesota has had a stellar start to the season, ranking inside the top six in offense and defense while knocking off the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers.
QB Sam Darnold has been the biggest story for the Vikings. The former first-round pick is finally looking like an NFL-caliber quarterback, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 1,111 yards to just four interceptions. WR Justin Jefferson has also been expectedly stellar, as has RB Aaron Jones.
With that said, Detroit may well be the NFL’s best team, and it’ll take a near-perfect effort from Minnesota to bring down this division rival. The Lions have scored 40-plus in each of their last two games, are easily the league’s gutsiest group, and have a terrific defense to boot.
The absence of Hutchinson is certainly a concern, but I trust Dan Campbell to work around it and get the most out of who he has available. Detroit can still bring plenty of pressure, and it feels like this team would easily adapt a “next man up" mentality and rise to the occasion.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Lions vs Vikings Best Bets
Lions Moneyline (+100) @ Vikings
Minnesota is one of the NFL’s best against the run, so I would expect to see a more passing-oriented attack from the Lions on Sunday. RB David Montgomery will still get his fair share of touches, but guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta will be the real difference-makers.
The Vikings should still keep this one close with a potent offense of their own, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is where their turnover-prone nature comes back to bite them. Minnesota has had at least two turnovers in four of its first five games, and Detroit ranks fourth in takeaways.
As long as the Lions get a balanced effort on both sides of the ball, they’ll be in position to win this game. Take the underdogs with your NFL bet of the day.
Over 50.5 Points (-112)
Given the way this Detroit offense is playing right now, I would be stunned if this game didn’t hit the Over. Yes, it’s a high total at 50.5 points, but I have no doubts that this game will be won on offense.
The Vikings haven’t been involved in many high-scoring games, but they can score in a hurry, and they might need to in order to keep pace with the Lions.
