NFL ATS Picks - Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions Game Preview

The Minnesota Vikings have risen to the top of the NFC North due to a six-game winning streak, and can take a huge step toward wrapping up that division title in Week 12. The Vikings lead this week’s opponent, the Detroit Lions, by two games and would be way ahead with only a few weeks remaining with a victory.

Minnesota has looked good all year and is 8-2 on the season, but the Lions aren’t too far behind with a 6-4 mark. Add in the home field advantage, and Detroit is certainly a worthy foe. The Lions are in the middle of a crowded wild card race and hope to keep their hopes alive in the NFC North as well with a victory in this showdown.

This matchup in Week 12 of the regular season will take place on Thursday, November 23, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. ET at Ford Field.

Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu

Minnesota Vikings PK
Detroit Lions PK
Over/Under 44.5

Odds Analysis

The original line has been set as a pick ‘em but there is a clear favorite among the betting public. The Vikings are getting more than 77 percent of the early action and the line could move in their direction in the coming days if the money continues to ride them heavily.

The scoring total splits the difference between a talented Vikings defense and a solid Lions offense.

Injury Report

Sam Bradford — The Vikings’ starting quarterback has been placed on injured reserve after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Case Keenum has been impressive in his place and will continue to be the starter for now, but Teddy Bridgewater is lurking. He has been activated after suffering a horrific knee injury which knocked him out for 2016 and can be used if Keenum struggles.

Xavier Rhodes- The Vikings cornerback left Sunday’s game against the Rams for a stretch with an injured calf but later returned. The injury doesn’t seem very major since he came back, but some can get worse after the muscle cools down. Keep an eye on this ailment as Rhodes is a critical piece in the Minnesota secondary.

Ezekiel Ansah- The Lions’ star defensive end missed his second straight game with a back injury in Sunday’s win over the Bears. Detroit doesn’t have a great stable of pass-rushers and Ansah is one of the most consistent threats there. His absence would be a big one. The Lions’ defense needs to play well to keep the game close, and Ansah would be a big part of that.

Player To Watch

Adam Thielen -- The Vikings have an impressive receiving corps, which includes playmaker Stefon Diggs. However, the player who has been dominant this year is Thielen. He has 65 catches for 916 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Thielen has surpassed 100 yards receiving each of the past two weeks. He had eight catches for 166 yards and a touchdown against Washington and followed that up with six catches for 123 yards and a 65-yard touchdown to help knock off the Rams on Sunday.

The Lions have a star cornerback in Darius Slay, but he can’t guard Thielen and Diggs at the same time. Whichever one is going against the Lions’ lesser cornerbacks could have a big day, and Thielen is talented enough to catch passes against Slay as well.

Free ATS Pick

The Vikings are coming off a big-time win over Los Angeles and are pushing for one of the top two seeds in the NFC. However, the Lions are a formidable foe. Detroit has the better quarterback in Matthew Stafford, which should always give it a chance to win games at home.

Minnesota is feeling good and has a lot of momentum, but don’t overestimate its abilities. The Lions are a good team in their own right and should come away with a squeaker. Take the “over” as Detroit will make some big plays through the air.

NFL Odds: Lions 24, Vikings 21

BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!