For the second time this season, the Lions suffered a tough loss to an NFC North rival, dropping to 0-4 on the season following a Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Detroit remains one of two winless NFL teams following Sunday’s slate, but could we see that change in another division clash, this time in Minnesota against the Vikings?
Lions vs Vikings Odds Week 5
The odds on WynnBET list the Lions as 8-point road underdogs against the Vikings. Detroit is +285 on the moneyline (bet $100 to win $285), while Minnesota is -350. The over/under on the NFC North matchup is set at 49.5.
Lions vs Vikings Prediction Week 5
The Lions will have a shot against a Vikings team that has started 1-3 for the second straight year, although their three losses have come by a combined 11 points.
Minnesota is top-10 in the NFL in passing yards per game (270.2) on the back of Kirk Cousins’ great start to the season, so Detroit’s secondary will have to step up in this game.
However, the pass rush for the Lions could help there as well, garnering at least 3.0 sacks in three consecutive games now, putting consistent pressure on Cousins could be a path to victory.
Minnesota will have the home-field advantage, but it hasn’t exactly looked like a complete football team this year, despite some flashes. If the Lions can disrupt Cousins enough and show some of that offensive potential we saw late against the 49ers and early against the Green Bay Packers, this game should be a close one.
With the Lions getting such a big number, it’s hard to turn it down against a Vikings team that struggled so much last week. Lions +8 is the pick here.