Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/5/2025 8:20 PM EST

We have your Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Minnesota Vikings hit the road to face the Detroit Lions.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Minnesota Vikings +130 (FanDuel) / Detroit Lions -148 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -3.0 - Minnesota Vikings -115 (bet365) / -2.5 - Detroit Lions -118 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 56.5 - Under -110 (DraftKings) / Over -105 (ESPN BET)

Special offers available for this game

Betr: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Sam Darnold Total Passing Attempts > 0.5
Vivid Picks: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Jahmyr Gibbs Total Rushing Yards > 0.5

Game Info

Date: 1/5/2025
Time: 8:20 PM EST
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
TV: NBC

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have faced off three times, with the Lions emerging victorious in all three encounters. The games were played between December 2023 and October 2024. In these matchups, the visiting team won twice, while the home team secured a single victory. The Lions consistently covered the spread in all three games, while the Vikings failed to do so. Each game went over the projected total, indicating high-scoring affairs. The Lions demonstrated a strong offensive performance across these games, consistently outpacing the Vikings in key metrics such as total yards and touchdowns.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on October 20, 2024, with the Detroit Lions defeating the Minnesota Vikings 31-29. The Lions, playing as the visiting team, were slight favorites with a closing spread of -1.0. Detroit's offense was efficient, accumulating 391 total yards and 19 first downs. Jared Goff led the Lions with two touchdown passes, while Jahmyr Gibbs contributed a 45-yard rushing touchdown. The Vikings, despite a strong start with a 34-yard rushing touchdown by Aaron Jones, fell short. They managed 383 total yards and 16 first downs, with Sam Darnold connecting with Justin Jefferson for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The game was marked by a defensive touchdown for the Vikings, courtesy of a 36-yard fumble return by Ivan Pace Jr., but ultimately, the Lions secured the win with a late 44-yard field goal by Jake Bates.

In the two previous matchups, the Lions also demonstrated their dominance. On January 7, 2024, Detroit won 30-20 at home, covering the spread as favorites. The Lions' defense was particularly effective, forcing two interceptions and limiting the Vikings' rushing attack. Earlier, on December 24, 2023, the Lions secured a 30-24 victory in Minnesota, again covering the spread as favorites. In that game, Detroit's balanced offensive approach, with 143 rushing yards and 257 passing yards, proved too much for the Vikings, who struggled with turnovers, including four interceptions. Across these games, the Lions have consistently outperformed the Vikings, both offensively and defensively, setting the stage for their upcoming encounter.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Preview

The upcoming clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions is set to be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent NFL history. Both teams enter the game with identical 14-2 records, making this showdown not only a battle for the NFC North title but also for the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The stakes are incredibly high, as the winner will secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser will drop to the No. 5 seed and face a challenging road in the postseason.

The Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, boast the league's highest-scoring offense, averaging over 33 points per game. Goff has been instrumental in orchestrating this offensive juggernaut, supported by a talented array of skill position players, including standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Despite recent defensive struggles due to a slew of injuries, Detroit's offense has consistently found ways to outscore opponents, as evidenced by their thrilling 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

On the other side, the Vikings have been riding a wave of momentum, winning nine consecutive games since their narrow loss to the Lions earlier in the season. Quarterback Sam Darnold has revitalized his career under head coach Kevin O'Connell, leading a potent passing attack that features the electrifying Justin Jefferson. Darnold's impressive statistics, including 4,153 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, underscore his pivotal role in Minnesota's success. The Vikings' defense, known for its ability to generate turnovers, will be crucial in their quest to stifle Detroit's high-powered offense.

Historically, the Lions have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning the last three matchups against the Vikings. Their most recent victory, a 31-29 thriller in October, showcased Detroit's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. However, with both teams evenly matched and the stakes higher than ever, this game promises to be a captivating contest that could very well turn into a high-scoring affair, given the offensive firepower on both sides.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions is poised to be a high-scoring affair, making the over on the total points a compelling pick. Both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess throughout the season, with the Lions leading the league in scoring, averaging over 33 points per game. Jared Goff has been at the helm of this explosive offense, supported by key playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, who have consistently found ways to outmaneuver defenses. This offensive firepower was on full display in their recent 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a game that highlighted their ability to score at will, even against formidable opponents.

On the other side, the Vikings have been equally impressive, riding a nine-game winning streak fueled by Sam Darnold's resurgence. Darnold has thrown for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns, orchestrating a dynamic passing attack that features the electrifying Justin Jefferson. The Vikings' offense has been a juggernaut, capable of matching the Lions' scoring output, as evidenced by their narrow 31-29 loss to Detroit earlier in the season. This game, like their previous encounters, went over the projected total, underscoring the potential for another high-scoring showdown.

Defensively, both teams have shown vulnerabilities that could further contribute to a high-scoring game. The Lions have been plagued by injuries, particularly on defense, which has struggled to contain opponents, allowing 7.4 yards per play in December. Meanwhile, the Vikings' defense, while opportunistic in generating turnovers, will face a stern test against Detroit's potent offense. Given these factors, along with the historical trend of high-scoring games between these two teams, the over on the total points is a strong pick for this highly anticipated matchup.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Top Player Prop Picks

Sam Darnold Over 277.5 Passing Yards -110 (bet365)

Sam Darnold has been a revelation for the Minnesota Vikings this season, ranking fourth in the NFL with 4,153 passing yards and fifth with 35 touchdown passes. His resurgence under head coach Kevin O'Connell has been pivotal in the Vikings' nine-game winning streak. Facing a Detroit Lions defense that has been plagued by injuries and allowed 7.4 yards per play in December, Darnold is poised to exploit these vulnerabilities. The Lions' recent defensive struggles were evident in their 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, where they allowed 475 yards of total offense. Given Darnold's impressive form and the Lions' defensive issues, the over on 277.5 passing yards is a strong play.

Justin Jefferson Over 89.5 Receiving Yards -110 (bet365)

Justin Jefferson continues to be a dominant force in the Vikings' passing attack, and his chemistry with Sam Darnold has been a key factor in Minnesota's offensive success. Jefferson's ability to make big plays was highlighted in the previous matchup against the Lions, where he connected with Darnold for a 25-yard touchdown. With the Lions' secondary struggling due to injuries, Jefferson is well-positioned to surpass the 89.5 receiving yards line. The Lions have allowed significant yardage to opposing receivers, and Jefferson's track record suggests he will be a focal point in this high-stakes game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Over 74.5 Receiving Yards -110 (bet365)

Amon-Ra St. Brown has been a standout performer for the Detroit Lions, contributing significantly to the league's highest-scoring offense. With Jared Goff at the helm, St. Brown has consistently been a reliable target, and his role will be crucial in this pivotal matchup against the Vikings. The Lions' offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging over 33 points per game, and St. Brown's ability to find openings in the Vikings' defense will be key. Given the offensive firepower on display and the stakes of the game, St. Brown is likely to exceed the 74.5 receiving yards mark, making the over a compelling choice.