Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 18 game
Despite a Week 17 loss, the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) still have an outside shot of making the playoffs, and it'll start with a huge game against the Detroit Lions (11-5).
The quarterback issues came into the national spotlight for the Vikings last week. Minnesota was dealt a big-time home loss against the Green Bay Packers that made the chances of the playoffs extremely slim. Minnesota will hope hope to have a lucky week to get a miraculous playoff spot.
Dan Campbell is still probably fuming at how his team lost to the Dallas Cowboys on the controversial referee call. Still, the Lions can look for momentum as they prepare to host their first playoff game since 1994, and possibly move up to the No. 2 seed by the end of the week.
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Lions vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to 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 and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Lions (-3.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-190); Vikings (+155)
Over/under: 46
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NFL Week 18 odds, predictions and picks
Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers vs. Chiefs | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Falcons | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs. Rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 27, Vikings 14
Detroit may be ultra motivated after the end of last week’s game and there’s simply no way to have any confidence in any of the quarterbacks Minnesota trots out there. Plus, the Lions still have a shot — remote as it may be — at the No. 2 seed, if both the Cowboys and Eagles lose their games.
Tyler Dragon: Lions 25, Vikings 17
The Lions are division champs for the first time since 1993. Expect the Lions to try to enter the postseason with some momentum. The Vikings need a win and some help to get into the playoffs.
Safid Deen: Lions 27, Vikings 13
Detroit knows a win will keep them in the hunt for the No. 2 seed, but it appeared last week after three failed two-point conversions they’re just fine being No. 3 when the playoffs begin. This should be a tune-up game for the Lions, who should beat the Vikings in the first half and allow backup Teddy Bridgewater to play in what’s likely his last NFL regular-season game.
Victoria Hernandez: Lions 28, Vikings 23
The Lions proved their prowess by winning in 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 its starters, they’ve been too inconsistent to capture the road win.
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 24, Vikings 17
The bad taste in its mouth from last week should fuel Detroit toward putting up a big game in the regular season finale. The Vikings offense has been out of sync and they finish the season on a four-game losing streak in an injury-riddled season.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions: Game predictions, picks, odds
