Lions-Vikings predictions: Detroit favored to easily defeat Minnesota

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs from Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)AP

After 18 weeks of action, the NFL regular season is coming to an end. The next stop: the playoffs. And as you may know by now, the Detroit Lions are not only in it, but they’re also hosting a home playoff game at Ford Field.

However, before that takes place, the Lions have some unfinished business as they host the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. This will mark the second time in three weeks that both teams face off on the gridiron.

The Lions emerged victorious in the Week 16 matchup, taking down the Vikings 30-24 to secure their first-ever NFC North title and first division crown in 30 years. Detroit ended the game with a pair of fumbles and four interceptions, all of which Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens was responsible for.

Due to that performance, Mullens was benched the following week against the Green Bay Packers, but he’ll be back under center as the starter this Sunday.

One would assume that NFL journalists would lean toward picking the Lions with Mullens back as the starting QB for the Vikings. However, one of the biggest reasons writers are bullish on the Lions picking up the win is their strong performance, albeit in defeat, against the Dallas Cowboys.

As we head into this week’s game, here’s a look at predictions from NFL writers across the country, including MLive’s Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven

MLive

Kyle’s prediction: Lions

“There are downsides to playing your starters in a game like this, but the Lions don’t care about them. They want to put the officiating gaffe in Dallas behind them, avoid their first losing streak of the season right before the playoffs, plus give themselves a chance to climb to the No. 2 seed. So Jared Goff and the rest of the starters will play, and given what happened in Dallas, expect them to be razor sharp. WIN.”

Ben’s prediction: Lions

“Unlike last week, it’s a completely different feeling in Allen Park. These Lions are fired up and ready to put last week’s controversial loss behind them. These are the moments where Dan Campbell shines as head coach, and I think we see that in full effect against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. The starters are playing for the No. 2 seed. The RB duo has the chance to make NFL history, and there are more than enough reasons for motivation. Lions win big, 31-10.

CBS Sports

Prediction: Lions

“Following a controversial loss to the Cowboys last week, Dan Campbell is more energized than usual. He told reporters this week he’s got “controlled fury,” and that he’s got “pure octane right now.” He also said the plan is to play the starters this weekend, even though there’s just a slim chance Detroit can improve its seeding.”

The Vikings were just blown out on their home field by the Green Bay Packers, and Kevin O’Connell can’t decide on a starting quarterback. Nick Mullens is back in the starting lineup, who threw four picks against the Lions just a couple weeks ago.

The main reason I like the Lions to cover this week is because their defense is coming off of a solid performance. Holding the Cowboys to 20 points at home is pretty wild, as it marked a season-low for Dallas. Before last week, the Cowboys had scored at least 30 points in every home game this year.”