Last year Matt Patricia did not impress as the Lions rookie head coach. He was seen as another Bill Belichick wannabe that couldn’t begin to match the Hoodie. This year Patricia is getting a second look. The Lions have shown modest improvement and are more competitive. Most important of all Detroit has emerged as one of the best values for NFL betting. Following a week four 16-6 loss at Chicago the Vikings faced a barrage of justifiable criticism. Since then the Purple Gang has won two in a row to get back in the race.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
| Date and Time: | Sunday, October 20, 2019, 1 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan |
| Vikings vs. Lions TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | -1 (-106) | 45½ (-105) | -118 |  |
| Lions | +1 (-114) | 45½ (-115) | -102 | |
| ||||
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Overview
Minnesota has an online wagering record of 4-2 straight up and vs. the odds with four games under. Late on the Vikings have found the mark with wins and covers at the Giants (28-10) and home vs. Philadelphia (38-20). Overall Minnesota ranks 11th for total offense, third for rushing and fifth for defense.
By contrast, Detroit is 2-2-1 straight up, 4-1 against the spread and 3-2 over the total. Last week the Lions lost at Green Bay 23-22 on Monday night. Specifically, the Packers Mason Crosby kicked a game-winning 23-yard field goal at the gun. Additionally, the game was marred with bad officiating against the Lions. Detroit ranks 13th for scoring offense and 18th for points allowed.
Key Vikings: QB Kirk Cousins (69.7% COMP, 1374 YDS, 8.9 AVG, 9 TD, 3 INT, 12 SACK, 108.4), RB Dalvin Cook (108 ATT, 583 YDS, 5.4 AVG, 6 TD, 23 REC, 213 YDS, 9.3 AVG, 0 TD), WR Stefon Diggs (23 REC, 420 YDS, 18.3 AVG, 4 TD), PK Dan Bailey (8-9 FG, 16-17 XP)
Key Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (61% COMP, 1387 YDS, 8.0 AVG, 9 TD, 2 INT, 10 SACK, 99.1 RTG), RB Kenyon Johnson (87 ATT, 285 YDS, 3.3 AVG, 2 TD), WR Kenny Golladay (24 REC, 364 YDS, 15.2 AVG, 4 TD), PK Matt Prater (12-14 FG, 11-12 XP)
Minnesota and Detroit Against the Spread
The Vikings are:
- 5-3 against the spread in their last eight away games
- 2-9 under the total on the road
- 6-3 vs. the line in their head to head series with Detroit
- 2-9 under the total in their last 11 games with the Lions
- 3-8 on the board in road games against the NFC North
- 4-8 under the total away from home vs. NFC North teams
The Lions are:
- 5-4 against the spread in their last nine games at Ford Field
- 2-7 under the total when playing at home
- 2-6 on the board at home against the Vikings
- 4-8 under the total at home in their series with Minnesota
- 3-5 vs. the odds when hosting NFC North teams
- 4-5 under the total at Ford Field when hosting NFC North opponents
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions NFL Betting Pick
On this occasion, we get two capable teams in the renewal of one of the oldest rivalries in pro football. With the NFL betting line all even the home-standing Lions make for a potentially good play. Of course, the Vikings should be respected for their recent form. But Detroit is an improved football team as well. The intangibles go to the Lions to be motivated after getting robbed at Green Bay.
Minnesota vs. Detroit NFL Betting Pick: Detroit Lions
Minnesota vs. Detroit NFL Betting Score Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 24