The Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions are both not going to the playoffs, but they surely want to end their respective regular-season schedules with a victory. Which of these teams will sail into the offseason off a win? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Regular Season Week 17 Game on January 3, 2021
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
When: Sunday, January 3, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs Detroit Lions (+7) – view all 2020 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings (-7)
Regular Season Record: 6-9
The offense has been there for the Vikings for the most part of the season. Although much has been said about Kirk Cousins’ inability to lead Minnesota to where he was expected to when he signed that huge deal with the team two years ago, he’s still mostly getting the job done under center. Cousins has passed for 3,680 yards and 32 touchdowns against 13 interceptions on the season. Over the Vikings’ last three games, Cousins has collected six touchdowns with just an interception. Minnesota’s wide receiver tandem of Adam Thielen and the rapidly rising Justin Jefferson will be a threat to Detroit’s secondary that is mainly responsible for the Lions ranking 30th in the league against the pass. The Lions are allowing 278.3 passing yards per game. That’s not to mention that the Lions are also missing their top two cornerbacks.
The Vikings, who are averaging 26.2 points this season, have seen the total hit the over in four of their last six games.
Betting on the Detroit Lions (+7)
Regular Season Record: 5-10
Matthew Stafford may have played his last game of the season. Stafford is in danger of missing Week 17 due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in last Sunday’s 47-7 destruction at the hands of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even if he would eventually be okayed to go, there’s just nothing on the line for the Lions to risk aggravation of Stafford’s injury. Instead, expect Chase Daniel to start for Detroit against the visiting Vikings. Daniel had 86 passing yards with zero touchdowns and no interceptions on 13-of-18 completions against the Bucs. The Lions hope to take advantage as well of Minnesota’s own leaky defense that has been horrendous this season. Minnesota is allowing 29.3 points and 391.7 total yards per game, 28th and 27th in the NFL, respectively. Those looking to bet on the Lions can feel encouraged by the fact that Minnesota hasn’t covered the spread in its last six games.
As for the Lions, they are 2-2 against the spread in their last four games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Vikings win, 33-23.
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