Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-7.5)
Talk about a ‘Tale of Two Seasons.’ Both the Vikings and Lions have enjoyed a 4-2 record in their last six games, despite coming from opposite starting points. The Vikings recent four-win output helped turn a 2-5 season into respectability. Detroit, enjoying the same record over the same span, saw its division lead and 7-2 record fall. With teams largely unrelated to those who met in Week 6, neither has proven which half of the season should be trusted.
The one constant that has remained is Detroit’s top-ranked scoring defense. Even as Minnesota has put together back-to-back 30 point outputs, their success is largely a function of playing the Panthers and Jets – and needed a fifth period in the latter game to do it. Minnesota still ranks near the bottom of the league in points scored, and has no discernible strengths with which to combat the Lions. Once Detroit goes on top, they won’t be caught. It’s just a matter of whether or not the Lions could keep scoring like they have in recent weeks.
Detroit wins by two touchdowns and covers.
