Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

The Detroit Lions are hot and will look to continue that sizzling start in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Lions have had no problems winning their first two games. The offense, led by a healthy Matthew Stafford, is firing on all cylinders. The defense has played better than expected, and you could make a case that as things stand right now they are the best team in the NFL.

The Vikings have gone in the exact opposite direction. Quarterback Donovan McNabb looks like a shell of his former self, and if he keeps playing like he has it won’t take long before rookie Christian Ponder is leading the offense.

The good news for the Vikings is that they still have Adrian Peterson, who has single-handedly carried this offense through two games. He will need another big game this week if the team wants to have a chance in this game.

Where: Mall of America Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota

When: Sunday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Watch: Fox (Local Affiliates); DirecTV Channel 710

Over/Under: 45 (according to Bodog.com)

45 total points is right in line with what you would expect from this game. The Lions have the potential to score a lot of points, but the Vikings will need a lot of things to go right on offense to keep up with them.

I can’t see this game becoming a shootout, nor will it be so one-sided that the combined score adds up to more than 45 points.

Spread: Detroit (-4)

That does not seem like a big number, but when you factor in that home teams are usually always given a three point edge, it tells you that the oddsmakers really like the Lions in this game.

And certainly there is a lot to like. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are firing on all cylinders. They are quickly becoming one of the most lethal QB/WR duos in the NFL.

Key Injuries

The Lions come into this game relatively healthy. The only question mark will be tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Chiefs last week. Head coach Jim Schwartz said that it was nothing serious, and Pettigrew is expected to play.

The Vikings, for all the problems that they have had, are healthy. Defensive end Jared Allen (shoulder) and wide receiver Michael Jenkins (groin) are listed as probable, and both are expected to start this game.

Fantasy Big Plays

Calvin Johnson has been terrific so far this season, but he hasn’t been putting up the yardage that most fantasy owners are looking for. The Vikings pass defense has been terrible so far this season, and there is no reason to think that will change in this game. Matthew Stafford will target his No. 1 receiver early and often in this game.

The only player on the Vikings that is worth owning is Adrian Peterson, and he is a no-brainer, lead pipe lock to start every single week. Opposing teams know that he is going to get the ball, yet they are still powerless to stop him.

Lions’ Keys To Victory

In short, the Lions just need to keep doing what they have been doing. The offense has been striking early and often this season, which forces opposing teams to rely on the pass in order to keep up with them.

The defense has been great, particularly against the pass, and Donovan McNabb has been struggling. If the defensive line can put pressure on him, it will force him into making mistakes, which will give the offense more chances to put points on the board.

Vikings’ Keys To Victory

Donovan McNabb has to be able to make at least a few big plays in this game to get some confidence back, because he is playing like a beaten man right now.

If opposing teams don’t respect the passing game, they will just load up the box to stop Adrian Peterson and force the Vikings to pass in order to beat them.

Defensively, they have been vulnerable against the pass. That is not a good sign heading into a game against the Lions offense. The defensive line is going to have to step up and force Stafford to move around in the pocket and help the defensive backs out.

Prediction

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions.

All of the Lions’ talented young players are gelling at the same time. For the first time since the Barry Sanders era ended, they are fun to watch.

The Vikings, aside from Adrian Peterson, are a mess. They are going to have to rebuild this team eventually, but right now they just look old and disorganized on the field.

Lions 31, Vikings 17