The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions face off on Sunday in an NFC North showdown at Ford Field. These two teams faced off on October 10th and it was the Vikings that beat the Lions 19-17.
The Vikings come into this game with a 5-6 record and they have gone 6-5 against the spread. The Vikings have had some big wins this season but they are coming off a disappointing loss against the San Francisco 49ers. The worst thing to come out of that game for the Vikings was the injury to Dalvin Cook and he will be out of this game. The Vikings offense has been good, averaging 25.55 points per game, but their defense has been suspect at times giving up 25.09 points per game. Kirk Cousins has been good this season but in the last game he did have some struggles. Especially without Cook, the Vikings need Cousins to have a big game.
On the other side of this matchup is the Detroit Lions who are still looking for their first win of the season, but they have had one tie. The Lions last game was against the Bears and although they were competitive, they lost by two points. The Lions are averaging 15.82 points per game while their defense is giving up 26.3 points per game. The Lions will be without D’andre Swift which is going to put a lot on Jamal WIlliams shoulders. Under center for the Lions is Jared Goff who has thrown for 2,280 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The Vikings are 0-6 against the spread in their last six games against a team with a losing record. The Lions are 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. THe Over is 5-0 in Vikings last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
The Vikings are going to have no issue running up the score, and the Lions offense just doesn’t have the talent to keep this game close. Kirk Cousins is going to have an elite game, and the Lions will have no answer. Back the Vikings against the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
