ALLEN PARK: On Christmas Eve, the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-24 to clinch their first division title in 30 years. And that is the betting line for the rematch in the season finale back in Detroit.
The Lions are favored by five points at Caesars Sportsbook and the typical suspects, while a few others are at 5.5 points. According to the Action Network, the Lions have received 64% of public wagers. The Lions are 11-5 against the spread heading into the Week 18 game, while the Vikings are 7-7-2.
Minnesota has kept changing quarterbacks. The Vikings started Nick Mullens against the Lions before turning to rookie Jaren Hall against the Green Bay Packers the following week. Mullens finished the game in the 33-10 loss after Hall was benched after an awful first half.
Mullens was intercepted four times by the Lions in their division-clinching victory, including in the closing minute to put the game away. Hall didn’t do much to inspire confidence in his 30 minutes back on the field, and Josh Dobbs is still on the bench despite a hot stretch.
And, despite their record of 7-9, the Vikings are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. With a win and a loss by the Packers, the Vikings can make the playoffs.
The Lions, who intend to play their starters, can only finish lower than third. The top seed is out, and the second slot appears to be a long shot now.
The Lions need another win over the Vikings, as well as losses by the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, to secure the No. 2 spot. The Eagles visit the New York Giants, while the Cowboys travel to Washington to face the Commanders.
Following last week’s contentious game, the Cowboys now have the tiebreaker against the Lions. For those who have been living under a rock, you may read about the ordeal here, here, and here.
The Lions, who intend to play their starters, can only finish lower than third. The top seed is out, and the second slot appears to be a long shot now.
The Lions need another win over the Vikings, as well as losses by the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, to secure the No. 2 spot. The Eagles visit the New York Giants, while the Cowboys travel to Washington to face the Commanders.
