| MATCHUP | Detroit Lions | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 8-7 | 7-8 |
| Spread | -7.5 -105 | +7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | -355 | +280 |
| Total | Over 43.5 (-105) | Under 43.5 (-115) |
| Where | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | |
| When | Thursday, December 25, 2025 | |
| Time | 04:30 PM EST | |
| TV | Netflix | |
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions lost to the Rams and Steelers, and play the Bears next. The Detroit Lions have lost 5 of their last 8 games. Jared Goff is completing 68.6 percent of his passes for 4,036 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have combined for 2,200 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, while Jahmyr Gibbs has 72 receptions.
The Detroit Lions ground game is averaging 123.4 yards per contest, and Jahmyr Gibbs leads the way with 1,102 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, Detroit is allowing 24.9 points and 347.4 yards per game. Jack Campbell leads the Detroit Lions with 159 tackles, Al-Aidan Hutchinson has 11.5 sacks and Kerby Joseph has 3 interceptions.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Cowboys and Giants, and they play the Packers next. The Minnesota Vikings have won 3 straight games. JJ McCarthy is completing 57.3 percent of his passes for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have combined for 1,519 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while TJ Hockenson has 51 receptions.
The Minnesota Vikings ground game is averaging 103.1 yards per contest, and Jordan Mason leads the way with 664 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing 21.3 points and 296.8 yards per game. Blake Cashman leads the Minnesota Vikings with 120 tackles, Eric Wilson has 6.5 sacks and Joshua Metellus has 2 interceptions.
Why the Minnesota Vikings will win
- The Vikings have won each of their last eight December games against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have lost each of their last two games as favorites against NFC North opponents.
- The Vikings have covered the spread in each of their last seven December games against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games against NFC opponents.
- The Vikings have won the first quarter in three of their last four games as home underdogs.
- The Lions have lost the first half in 13 of their last 16 Week 17 road games.
Why the Detroit Lions will win
- The Lions have won each of their last eight games as favorites following a home loss.
- The Vikings have lost each of their last six December games as home underdogs.
- The Lions have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites against NFC opponents.
- The Vikings have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Lions have won the first quarter in six of their last eight games following a home loss.
- The Vikings have lost the first half in each of their last six December games as home underdogs against NFC opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lions’ last seven games in December have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Vikings’ last six Week 17 games have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 17, Will Reichard ranks T2nd in the NFL in 50+ yard field goals made (9) this season.
Detroit Lions Player Prop Facts
- Jahmyr Gibbs has scored the last touchdown in four of the Lions’ last five games as favorites following a loss.
- Jahmyr Gibbs has scored two or more touchdowns in four of the Lions’ last five games as favorites following a loss.
- Jared Goff has recorded 23+ completions in each of the Lions’ last seven December games.
- Heading into Week 17, Jared Goff is the only player to have recorded 4000+ passing yards in each of the last four seasons. (including 2025).
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 17, the Vikings rank 1st in the NFL in red zone percentage against (42.6%) this season.
- Heading into Week 17, the Vikings have recorded the largest margin of victory in the NFL this season (38-points vs Cincinnati on September 21, 2025).
- Lions – two different players have recorded 100+ rushing yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 17.
- Heading into Week 17, the Lions have recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 10+ points this season (4).
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction
The Lions are the better team with more to play for at this point, but their offense isn’t as explosive as it’s been in the past and that defense leaves a lot to be desired. Since November, the Lions are 1-3 ATS as a favorite of 7 or more points, and 2 of those games were outright losses. The Vikings are out of playoff contention, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning 3 straight games.
The Vikings already beat the Lions as huge underdogs once this season, and they’re 2-1 SU as an underdog of 7 or more points since 2023. The Vikings are still one of the better defensive teams in the NFL, which creates a pathway to hanging around against a Lions team that seems to be heading in the wrong direction. The hook on top of a key number is nice as well. Give me the points.