The Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings in NFL action later today. The game is scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. start time and it will be televised live on FOX. Currently the odds for the game have the Lions favored by more than a touchdown in this one.
The Lions are looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs and a win here over the Vikings would only help their chances. Currently the Green Bay Packers lead the division, but Detroit can get to a 10th win if they pick up a win in this contest. This is a very good spot for the Lions as they are hosting Minnesota in the Vikings' first road game in a month.
Detroit's defense has been very good his season, ranking second behind just the Seattle Seahawks. The Lions, do though, allow the least amount of points per game this season at just 17.2 to opponents. The Lions are also by far the best defensive team in the league against the run, allowing just 62.8 yards per game to opponents. Teams have rushed for just 817 yards against Detroit this season, which is almost 130 yards fewer than Denver, the second best team against the run.
Minnesota is not good against the run themselves, but Detroit isn't the team that is going to just line up and try and run every down. Having the duo of Joique Bell and Reggie Bush can allow them to be able to run the football against Minnesota, especially with Bush expected to be back to being healthy.
Matt Stafford has been throwing the football for 263 yards a game this season, hitting his two big targets in Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson. The talented pair have caught half of Stafford's TD passes this season and 141 passes all together.
Teddy Bridgewater was forced into three interceptions the first time these two squads met, with Detroit picking up a 17-3 win. Bridgewater was sacked eight times in that game as well. While Minnesota has improved since that game, so has Detroit.
Look for the Lions to control the football on offense and get an equally good effort on defense. The Lions need a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt and with Green Bay still on their schedule, winning this game, at home, is a high priority.
Free Pick: Detroit 34, Minnesota 13
Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
What pro football bettors need to know about betting San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks on Sunday (12/14/14) - with insight from Pregame.com's Teddy Covers and Pauly Howard.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for College basketball and the NFL with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!