The Detroit Lions (4-2) will host the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (6-0) on Sunday at Ford Field, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The Vikings have built their perfect record on a defense that allows an NFL-low 12.3 points per game, while the Lions rank second in the league with 30.7 points per game on offense.
Odds and Betting Lines
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lions are 3-point favorites. The money line lists Detroit at -170 and Minnesota at +142, and the over/under is set at 46.5 points (over +100, under -120).
Team Analysis
Minnesota opened the season with a 39-point outburst against Green Bay but has not scored more than 23 points in any game since, failing to reach 20 points three times. The Vikings' defense has carried the team, but a trip to Detroit to face the high-powered Lions offense presents its toughest test yet. Conversely, Detroit's defense has surrendered the most yards per game in the NFL at 391, potentially giving Minnesota's offense an opportunity to find its rhythm.
Key Matchup: Goff vs. Flores' Blitz
Lions quarterback Jared Goff leads the NFL in expected points added (EPA) against the blitz, a critical factor as Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores sends extra rushers on approximately 70% of defensive plays. Goff's ability to perform under pressure, combined with running back Jahmyr Gibbs as a strong rushing option, could tilt the game in Detroit's favor.
Model Prediction
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each NFL game 10,000 times, has the Lions covering the spread at a 53% rate based on a 3.5-point spread simulation. The model entered Week 8 on a 58-51 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024 and has generated more than $5,000 in profit for $100 players on top-rated NFL selections since its inception.
