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The Vikings have been without quarterback Sam Bradford the past two weeks due to a knee injury but were able to dominate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last time out. The difference between Bradford and backup quarterback Case Keenum is a big one, and Bradford’s status will be watched closely by bettors heading into this one.
The Vikings have a good defense and are playing at home, so they have some things going for them, but a big disadvantage at quarterback could be hard to overcome.
Watch this regular season Week 4 matchup live on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Odds Analysis
Unsurprisingly, there won’t be a line on this game until Bradford’s status is more clear. The Minnesota quarterback was great in the team’s opener, and the Vikings should be favored if he can play. If not, that may shift the odds narrowly to Detroit’s favor.
The scoring total will also be affected by which quarterback lines up under center for Minnesota on Sunday.
Injury Report
Bradford -- The Vikings’ quarterback started feeling knee pain after the season opener and there were fears it was something really serious, but the latest indications are it was only a deep bone bruise. If there is nothing structural that is a great sign, and he should be able to return sooner rather than later. Keenum was fantastic in his place against Tampa Bay, throwing for 369 yards, so that should give the Vikings some hope even if Bradford is out.
Jarrad Davis -- The Lions’ first round pick suffered a concussion in Week 2 against the New York Giants and was not able to play against Tampa Bay. Concussions are tough to gauge and it’s unknown if he will be ready for this one. Davis won a starting job immediately out of camp so it is a tough loss for the Lions if he is out, but nothing compared to Bradford’s availability for Minnesota.
Matchup To Watch
Stefon Diggs vs. Darius Slay -- Even with a backup quarterback throwing him the ball, Diggs, the Vikings’ top receiver, went nuts against the Buccaneers. He caught eight passes for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns and will aim to put together another dominant performance in this one.
The Lions could task Slay with slowing him down. The cornerback has evolved into one of the best cover men in football, and if he can keep Diggs in control it will be a big boost for the Detroit defense. The Lions have some firepower on offense and should be able to score some points even going against a tough Minnesota defense.
However, if the Minnesota passing attack gets going like it did last week against the Bucs, the Vikings figure to win this one at home.
Free ATS Pick
It’s hard to make a determination on this game with Bradford’s availability up in the air. Both teams have looked good in the earlygoing, but the Vikings are at home and play in front of a raucous crowd. That will make life tougher on Matthew Stafford and the Detroit passing game.
Take the Vikings to win this game, and see where the spread comes in once the odds are released later this week.
NFL Odds: Vikings 23, Lions 21
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