Vikings vs. Lions Week 13 Picks: Will the Lions Finally Win?

The Detroit Lions are running out of time to get a win. Will it happen against a division rival? Read on for our Vikings-Lions picks.

The Detroit Lions (7-4 against the spread) earned a genuine chance to win their first game of 2021 last week against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. They squandered that opportunity in front of the entire country.

They'll try to bounce back against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota (6-4 ATS) has turned some heads while notching upset wins, but the Vikings need help to reach the playoffs. Kirk Cousins has shined in moments, but can the Vikings make a run?

Here are my Vikings-Lions picks and predictions for the NFL's Week 13 matchup (odds via FanDuel, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

Vikings vs. Lions Game Info

Date/Time: Sunday, December 5. 2021 at 1:00 p.m. ETTV: CBSLocation: Ford FieldWeather: Indoors

Vikings vs. Lions Odds Analysis

Minnesota opened as a 6.5-point favorite, which wasn't surprising given Detroit’s struggles all season and questions at quarterback. The line has shifted to -7 for the Vikings, and the odds are now -115 for Minnesota to cover. People are expecting Minnesota to win by more and more as the week continues.

The total opened at 47 before dipping down to 46.5. That isn’t a big change, but it's still worth monitoring.

Vikings vs. Lions Picks

Lions +7 (-105) ???Under 46.5 (-105) ??

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Vikings vs. Lions Predictions

Lions +7 (-105)

The Lions may be winless, but they have often still been competitive this year, leading to a great ATS record.

While Minnesota is better on paper, an improving Lions defense can force Kirk Cousins to make mistakes. Detroit won’t be able to fully stop the Vikings, but the club should keep the score relatively low.

This pick will come down to whether a touchdown underdog at home can come through during key moments, and the Lions haven't given up all season. The team will remain unified while trying to upset a division rival.

Quarterback Jared Goff’s health and the backup questions behind him are worrisome. But trust the Lions' defense and run game to keep this one close. Minnesota will win, but I like the Lions to cover.

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Under 46.5 (-105)

It’s hard to bet the Under with such a low total, but the play is going to be poor in Detroit. The Lions' offense is struggling, and Minnesota may make a few mistakes.

Both teams love to run the ball, and that could lead to fewer total drives and scoring opportunities.

However, the primary running back for each squad will likely miss this game. D’Andre Swift suffered an injury on Thanksgiving, and there's no reason for the Lions to rush him back. Swift has been ruled out, and the Vikings' Dalvin Cook will probably sit for another contest.

With backup running backs and question marks for Detroit at quarterback, this game could get ugly. I’m not as confident here, but I like the Under to hit as both teams work the clock with backups in the backfield.

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Vikings-Lions picks made on 12/3/2021 a 11:47 a.m. ET.