Vikings vs. Lions Prediction: Week 8 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Nov. 1)
My best Vikings vs. Lions prediction highlights why this will be a tightly contested NFC North matchup. The Vikings enter with the league's best scoring defense, while the Lions rank second in scoring offense. Below, I highlight why the Vikings could keep the Lions' offense in check but still lose this game.
The Lions are favored by 3.5 points ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET game at Ford Field in Detroit. The game will air on FOX and stream on FOX One.
Vikings vs. Lions picks & predictions
See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 8 based on the latest NFL odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Lions -3.5 | -102 via BetMGM | 0.5 units to profit 0.49 units |
| Under 46.5 | -116 via bet365 | 2 units to profit 1.72 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: +2.21 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Vikings vs. Lions prediction & best bet
Under 46.5 (-116 via bet365)
Even after scoring just 20 points last week, the Lions are still averaging 30.7 points per game and 27.3 points at Ford Field. Yet for as great as the Lions' offense has been, there are a few reasons I expect the Vikings to keep them mostly in check.
The Vikings are allowing just 12.3 points per game. They haven't allowed more than 16 points since Week 1, which is also the last time they allowed multiple touchdowns in a single contest. The Vikings rank first in red-zone scoring defense, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on just 23.08% of their chances. The Lions are scoring touchdowns on 70.37% of red-zone chances, but they went just 2-for-5 last week against the Packers.
Additionally, the Vikings rank third in third-down defense, allowing conversions on just 28.21% of opportunities. This is bad news for a Lions offense that is converting just 39.13% of third-down chances.
📡 SBR Edge: Vikings will struggle to run the ball
The Vikings rank 12th in rushing yards per game, averaging 119.3 per contest. However, they're averaging just 4.0 yards per carry, which ranks 22nd. The Lions are allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry.
The Vikings' offense is a problem
The return of Brian Branch was huge for the Lions' defense, as they allowed a season-low 17 points to the Packers. While the Lions still allowed Jordan Love to throw for 274 yards, the run defense allowed just 60 yards, and the defense gave up just 5.0 yards per play.
The Vikings are averaging only 20.8 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the league. While Justin Jefferson is always a threat, the Vikings are averaging just 162.3 passing yards per game, which ranks fourth-worst in the NFL. The Lions' secondary has struggled often this season, but it just held the Packers' fifth-ranked passing attack mostly in check.
Play to: Under 45.5
Score prediction: Lions 21, Vikings 17
Live Vikings vs. Lions odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Vikings vs. Lions page.
Vikings vs. Lions opening odds
- Moneyline: Vikings +135 | Lions -160
- Spread: Vikings +2.5 (+100) | Lions -2.5 (-120)
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
Vikings vs. Lions weather
This game will be played in a dome.
Latest Vikings vs. Lions injuries
How to watch Vikings vs. Lions: Week 8
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
- TV/Streaming: FOX/FOX One
Related Articles
