Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Preview, Pick & Odds, 11–4–2018
Free NFL Spread Pick by David Luang of King Sports Picks
Detroit Lions (3–4) vs Minnesota Vikings (4–3)
NFL: Sunday, November 4, 1:00 PM EST
Line: Vikings -5, 49
Last Meeting: 11/23/17 MIN 30 DET 23
David Luang is went 8–4 in NFL Picks the L30 Days
Two NFC North rivals take the field on Sunday afternoon when the Detroit Lions visit the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions enter this matchup off a 28–14 home loss to the Seahawks, and the Vikings dropped a 30–20 decision to the Saints. The Lions have won three of the last four meetings vs the Vikings but do they have a chance on Sunday in Minnestoa?
The Detroit Lions traded one of their top playmakers, Golden Tate, to the Eagles before the trade deadline which made many Lions fans question their incentive to win this season. Regardless, the Lions still have weapons for Matthew Stafford which include receivers, Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay. The Lions offense hasn’t had too many problems lighting up the scoreboard but their defense has been questionable. Detroit ranks near the bottom of the league allowing 145 yards rushing per game and 26.6 PPG.
Minnesota had a three-game win streak snapped last week with the loss to the Saints. Minnesota’s offense averages 385 total yards per game and close to 300 passing yards per game but they have been unable to run the football effectively. The Vikings average just 87 rushing yards per game which ranks them 29th in the NFL. Latavius Murray has seen the bulk of the action in the backfield as RB Dalvin Cook has been dealing with a hamstring injury all season. While the run game has been sub-par at times, Kirk Cousins has established a great connection with WR Adam Thielen. Thielen is having a Pro-Bowl season, recording at least 100 receiving yards in all eight games, and he leads the NFL with 925 receiving yards. Kurt Cousins will test this 19th ranked Lions defense by throwing to his ultimate wide out, Thielen, who has torched much better defenses than Detroit’s (Rams, Eagles, Green Bay).
The Lions are 2–0 ATS this season up to +5 point underdogs, while the Vikings are (1–1 ATS) as favorites up to -5 points. The Lions have been money in the bank for bettors going 9–2 ATS in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home and 6–1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC. Minnesota is 25–9 ATS in their last 34 games following a loss but just 1–4 ATS the last 5 meetings vs Detroit at home. With all trends considered, it’s tough to get a handle on the Lions after trading away their top receiver. The Lions have the seventh-best pass defense but look for Minnesota to establish the run early to open up space for Thielen by abusing early Detroit’s awful run defense. The Vikings need a bounce-back win to stay in the NFC North race and this game at home provides a great opportunity. Minnesota’s defense is still superior and with home field advantage, I see this game ending with the Vikings winning by a touchdown.
Lions vs Vikings NFL Spread Pick: Vikings -5
