Despite a defeat in week 17, the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) still have a chance to make the playoffs, and it will start with a huge game against the Detroit Lions (11-5).
Quarterback issues have been in the national spotlight for the Vikings this past week. Minnesota suffered a tough home loss to the Green Bay Packers, making the playoff chances extremely slim. Minnesota is hoping to have a lucky week to secure a miraculous playoff spot.
Dan Campbell is probably still pissed about how his team lost to the Dallas Cowboys on controversial call from the referee. Still, the Lions can look for momentum as they prepare to host their first playoff game since 1994 and possibly move into second place by the end of the week.
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Lions vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
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- Distribution: Lions (-3)
- Financial line: Lions (-175); Vikings (+145)
- Over/under: 45.5
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NFL Week 18 Odds, Predictions and Picks
Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers versus Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers versus leaders | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Hawks | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 27, Vikings 14
Detroit may be ultra motivated after last week's game and there's just no way to have confidence in any of Minnesota's quarterbacks. Additionally, the Lions still have a chance – however remote – to place second, if the Cowboys and Eagles lose their games.
Tyler Dragon: Lions 25, Vikings 17
The Lions are division champions for the first time since 1993. Expect the Lions to look to enter the playoffs with some momentum. The Vikings need a win and a little help to get into the playoffs.
Safid Deen: Lions 27, Vikings 13
Detroit knows a win will keep them in the race for the No. 2 seed, but it appeared last week after three failed two-point conversions that they would very well be in the No. 3 seed position at start of the playoffs. This should be a tune-up game for the Lions, who should outscore the Vikings in the first half and allow backup Teddy Bridgewater to play in what is likely his final regular-season NFL game.
Victoria Hernández: Lions 28, Vikings 23
The Lions proved their prowess by winning at Minnesota earlier this year for the first time since 2017. The Vikings have a 3 percent chance of making the playoffs, but even if Detroit chooses to rest their starters, they were too inconsistent to win the title. victory on the road.
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 24, Vikings 17
The bad taste in his mouth from last week should inspire Detroit to put on a big game in the regular season finale. The Vikings' offense was out of sync and they finished the season on a four-game losing streak in an injury-riddled season.
You can check out the full list of predictions from USA TODAY's NFL experts here.
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