Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

The Detroit Lions have lost 14 of their last 15 trips to Minnesota and are mired in losing streaks of 1-8 and 1-7-1 against the spread as road underdogs.

The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, are in on a 2-7-1 ATS skid when installed as the home chalk.

Point spread: The Vikings opened as three-point favorites; the total was 52. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 25.7-18.9 Lions

Why the Lions can cover the spread

Though they couldn't pull off the win against the New York Giants last week and are officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Lions are on a 5-1 ATS win streak against NFC North foes.

They'll be looking to take their aggression out after last week, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford, who's been intercepted 10 times in his team's last five losses, including a crucial pick-six by the Giants late in the game.

The Lions are 5-1 ATS in season finales, while the Vikings are 3-10 ATS in games to close the regular season.

Why the Vikings can cover the spread

It's the perfect spot to kick a dog while it’s down. Playing a division rival for their home finale, it would be a sweet finish to the season and end the campaign on a winning note. The Vikings were 0-7-1 on the road, but they did win four of seven at home, including two weeks ago in a 48-30 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles.

In fact, the Vikings have won three straight at home, having knocked off the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears and Philly by averaging 35 points in each win.

Smart pick

Detroit has nothing to play for and comes into this one having lost five of six games. Whether or not it has any mental game left remains to be seen. The Vikings are the smart play knowing they'll have home finale motivation on their side.

True, their defense has been horrific of late, but this will be a game in which they'll be playing for the jugular.

Trends

• Lions are 1-14 SU past 15 trips to Minnesota
• Lions are 1-8 SU, 1-7-1 ATS past nine games as road underdogs
• Vikings are 2-7-1 ATS past 10 games as home favorites
• Lions are 5-1 ATS past six divisional games
• Lions OVER is 10-1 past 11 Week 17 games
• Lions 5-1 ATS past 6 regular season finales
• Vikings 3-10 ATS past 13 regular season finales

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.