Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The time has come for playoff contenders to make a statement, and the Detroit Lions have a golden opportunity to do that this week when they host the Minnesota Vikings. 

The Vikings have been playing better since inserting Christian Ponder as their starting quarterback—even if they don't have the victories to show for it. Losing Adrian Peterson for the previous two games has put more pressure on his shoulders, but he has done enough to keep the team competitive.

Ponder is dealing with a hip injury that could keep him out; Peterson practiced on Thursday and could return for this game.

The Lions have fallen on hard times after that 5-0 start. They have just two victories in their last seven games. They are still in contention for a wild-card spot, but they need a big victory soon just to build their confidence back up. 

Where: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan

When: Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX

Spread: Detroit (-8)

The Lions' struggles in recent weeks are due to their defense, so giving them an eight-point advantage in this game is dangerous. I know that they can put up a lot of points in a short amount of time, but they can give up a lot too. 

The Vikings offense has not been anything to write home about, but they are still able to score points against a suspect defense. Toby Gerhart proved last week against Denver that he can be an effective running back when he is asked to carry the load. 

Over/Under: 48.5

That number is going to be low because these two teams have plenty of firepower on offense. Their defenses have a lot of work to do in order to get better for the future. 

The Vikings have one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL in Percy Harvin, and he has really stepped up his game in recent weeks. He will be the star of this game—thanks to his versatility and importance to the offense.

The Lions have Calvin Johnson, who is the best wide receiver in the NFL. He is going to dominate the Vikings secondary, and the Lions will have their best game since defeating the Panthers three weeks ago. 

Vikings Injury Report

Questionable: QB Christian Ponder (hip), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (hand) and RB Adrian Peterson (ankle).

Out: DL Brian Robison (concussion), WR Michael Jenkins (knee) and DB Antoine Winfield (clavicle).

Lions Injury Report

Questionable: RB Kevin Smith (ankle) and DT Nick Fairley (foot).

Out: DT Ndamukong Suh (suspension) and DB Brandon McDonald (knee).

Fantasy Big Plays

Detroit WR Calvin Johnson: Considering that the Vikings rank 26th against the pass this season, I would be shaking if I had Johnson on my team. He is going to do his best Hulk Hogan impression and run wild all game long. 

Johnson has been slumping a little lately. He hasn't had a 100-yard game since Week 8 and has just one touchdown catch in his last four games. 

Don't let that scare you—he is going to have a great game against an inept defense that has shown itself to be vulnerable against the pass. 

Minnesota WR Percy Harvin: Even if Harvin doesn't contribute much in the passing game, he will still have big plays because of his contributions in the running game and on special teams. 

Fortunately, Harvin will be successful with everything that he does this week. He is going to be a monster for fantasy owners in the playoffs, so sit back, relax and enjoy the production. 

Keys To Vikings Win

The Vikings have to be able to establish the run early to take pressure off Christian Ponder (assuming he plays). The rookie quarterback has had his moments this season, but he is still not in a position where he can carry a team on his own. 

Getting the ball to Percy Harvin as many times as possible doesn't hurt, either. He is as good a playmaker as anyone in the NFL right now, and needs to touch the ball at least 10 times in this game. 

The defense has to contain Calvin Johnson. They don't have to shut him down completely, because that is almost impossible, but limit the number of times that Matthew Stafford throws him the ball. 

Keys To Lions Win

The Lions' defense has been the biggest problem during this malaise, so they need someone to step up and force Christian Ponder to make some mistakes. The defensive line has been a disappointment, so this is their time to step up and make some plays. 

For the offense: attack early and often. The Vikings don't have enough depth in the secondary to contain all of the Lions' playmakers.

If they get a big lead early, they will force the Vikings into throwing the ball more than they would like to.

Prediction

Even if it's only for one week, the Lions will get back on track. 

Lions 34, Vikings 24