The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will face off in a divisional matchup in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Lions-Vikings prediction and pick.
These two teams are at the bottom of their division. Playoffs might not be on their mind but pride and a divisional rivalry certainly is. Detroit has yet to win a game this season in spite of some close match ups. The Vikings secured a win in Week 3, but that's it. These rival teams will face off in Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. With that, lets take a look at our Lions-Vikings prediction and pick.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's divisional rivalry matchup.
NFL Odds: Lions-Vikings Odds
Detroit Lions +7.5 (-115)
Minnesota Vikings -7.5 (-105)
Over 49.5 (-110)
Under 49.5 (-110)
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fubo TV (click for free trial)*
Why the Lions Could Win
Let's start off with the most apparent red flag, the Lions are 0-4. But are they really as bad as 0-4 suggests? When you look at each game the answer to that question is apparent.
The Lions have battled it out with some strong teams. Everyone remembers the comeback-that-almost-was in Week 1. The Lions scored 16 in the 4th quarter and gave everyone from San Francisco a sweat. Detroit nearly won in Week 3 against a tough Baltimore Ravens team, but fell victim to a Justin Tucker NFL record 66-yard field goal. So if some plays just went the other way we could easily be looking at a 2-2 or better Lions team.
When the Lions travel to Minnesota they will be facing one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Minnesota has allowed over 130 rushing yards per game to opposing teams. Many people were high on D'Andre Swift heading into this season. While the second year running back has had a slow start, this favorable matchup could allow him to open up the offense for Detroit. If the Lions establish a solid running game, the rest of the offense should fall into place.
This Lions team will have a chance to get their first win of the season. They just need to establish their run game and show the heart that they have had in close matchups.
Why the Vikings Could Win
The Vikings are 1-3, but have yet to lose by more than a touchdown this whole season. Minnesota has been a good team with unfortunate luck. They lost in overtime in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then in Week 2 they lost by one point to an impressive Arizona Cardinals team. They had a decisive victory over Seattle in Week 3. And in Week 4 they lost by 1 touchdown to Cleveland. This team has been battling in 2021.
The Vikings are led by Kirk Cousins, one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. Cousins is in his 10th season as an NFL pro and is starting off strong. He has already thrown for over 1,100 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. Cousins will always put in a solid performance.
Right alongside Cousins for most snaps is running back Dalvin Cook. When Cook plays he is a dominant force. He has had injury problems throughout his career but will be healthy for this Week 5 matchup. In Week 4 Cook returned from a one-game absence. While he didn't perform exceptionally, he will get another shot in Week 5. With a favorable matchup against the Lions and more time to recover from his injury, Dalvin Cook could be explosive.
This Vikings team has been really solid this season. Unfortunately, they have been on the wrong side of some game winning plays. This matchup with the Lions should be their easiest game yet.
Final Lions-Vikings Prediction & Pick
The Lions will be playing on the road with some of the loudest fans in the NFL facing them. While Detroit may be better than their 0-4 record suggests, they are not better than the Vikings. Both of these teams are better than their records. Minnesota has been having a tough 2021 season but an easier matchup at home should lead to a decisive victory. After last week's offensive dud, the Vikings will look to dominate the Lions and should be able to win by a healthy margin. Take the Vikings to win and cover.
FINAL PICK: Vikings -7.5 (-105)
Follow Us
Subscribe