With the Packers pulling away in the NFC North, the division’s third and fourth-best teams need to get back into gear and win their divisional matchups. What should we expect from the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings as they clash in Week 5? Here’s everything you need to know for the Lions vs. Vikings battle, including NFL odds, channel options, and a game prediction.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings prediction and odds | Week 5
Odds from DraftKings sportsbook.
- Spread: Vikings -8
- Moneyline: Vikings -400, Lions +300
- Over/Under: 50 (Over -110, Under -110)
In true NFC North fashion, the Vikings and Lions are both two of the most confusing teams in the league — at least, for betting purposes. We can reasonably deduce that Detroit won’t be competing for playoff positioning this year. And while the Vikings are more competitive, they’ve already dug a bit of a hole for themselves.
Nevertheless, both teams are 2-2 against the spread. All of the Vikings’ losses have been by no more than one possession. The Lions, meanwhile, have been less consistent, especially against divisional competition. They achieved a backdoor cover against San Francisco in Week 1 and suffered a heartbreaking last-second loss to the Ravens in Week 2. But in Week 3, the Packers blew Detroit out of the water. And in Week 4, Chicago bested Detroit by a healthy 10 points — at one point carrying a 21-0 lead.
It’s safe to say neither team has earned anyone’s confidence at this point, but the spread of -8 in Minnesota’s favor makes sense. It’s fairly simple why, too. Minnesota is the better team, with the better quarterback. However, Detroit can unexpectedly make things close, and the Vikings have a habit of deferring to close games.
Lions vs. Vikings prediction
As someone who’s been a lifelong Lions fan — living less than two hours away from Detroit, Michigan — you’d think I have a better understanding of my hometown team. But four weeks into the season, I’m sorry to say that I’m just as perplexed as you are. The team will look competitive against a playoff contender in the Ravens one day. The next, they’re struggling to even operate on offense, let alone sustain drives.
The Lions have the trademark inconsistency of a team that’s at the beginning of a multi-year rebuild. They aren’t quite dissolved enough to count out completely. Yet, Detroit still lacks talent overall, and Jared Goff clearly isn’t a quarterback who can elevate this roster. Factor in that Detroit just lost star edge rusher Romeo Okwara to an Achilles tear, and their projection just keeps going downward.
Vikings are 1-3 and can’t afford to waste this opportunity
As mentioned earlier, the Vikings are a more talented team than the Lions. And still, they come in at just 1-3. They’re third in the NFC North behind the Packers and Bears, and they have a worse record than 11 other NFC teams.
Having said this, the Vikings might not be quite as bad as their record says. Their weakest loss might be against a Bengals team that’s 3-1 and at least looks somewhat improved from previous years. The other two losses came against Arizona and Cleveland — both top-flight teams in the early goings of the 2021 campaign.
There are things for the Vikings to fix. The defense, particularly the coverage unit, can be better. Christian Darrisaw also needs to become available at left tackle, as Rashod Hill was beaten like a drum by Myles Garrett in Week 4.
But aside from those few pressing issues, Minnesota has some teeth as a team. Kirk Cousins is having a great year so far, and his weapons are firing on all cylinders. The interior line looks improved on both sides of the ball. Minnesota has enough to compete, but it won’t be easy. Before the season’s end, they have battles against the Panthers, Cowboys, Ravens, Chargers, 49ers, Rams, Steelers, and Packers twice.
There isn’t much room to spend a loss on Detroit for Mike Zimmer and Co.
Lions vs. Vikings game prediction: Can Zimmer take care of business?
At home against an ailing Lions team, I think the Vikings can win and cover. Detroit’s defensive line has some exciting young talent, but it isn’t nearly as stacked as the Browns’ front. And in Okwara, the Lions lose a strong edge setter with good pass-rushing ability as well. That’s a huge defensive loss, and it alleviates some pressure from Minnesota’s offensive line.
As long as Cousins is kept clean, his receivers should be able to find separation, allowing Minnesota to attain a lead early. And from there, Dalvin Cook should have an easy assignment in the Lions’ linebackers if he’s fully healthy. Health is the big question all-around for Minnesota, but with an extra week, they should be able to contain Detroit on their home turf. The Lions, as they usually do, may cover some ground late in the game, but it won’t be enough.
Prediction: Vikings 34, Lions 22
How to watch and listen to Lions vs. Vikings this week
- Start: 1:00 PM EST
- Channel: FOX
- Listen:
- TuneIn Radio
- Sirius XM Radio
- Live Streaming Options:
- Sling
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- DirecTV Sunday Ticket
- NFL Mobile App