Lions vs. Vikings Prediction: Will Detroit beat Minnesota?

The Detroit Lions’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field might be the most significant regular-season game in the stadium’s history. Both clubs will compete for the NFC’s top seed and the NFC North division title.

The Lions are now in first place in the NFC, and NFL analysts expect they will remain there following their game against the Vikings.

One reason the Lions are favored is because the game will be played at Ford Field, which is becoming one of the most difficult environments for visiting teams to compete in. Furthermore, observers point to Detroit’s potent rushing assault, which is led by second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs played a key role in the Lions’ 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, ending with 18 carries for 117 yards and a score and 4 receptions for 46 yards. With Gibbs and quarterback Jared Goff playing some of their finest games of their careers, analysts feel Detroit is well-positioned for a shootout against Minnesota.

According to one source, Goff may be annoyed by Minnesota’s defense, which has improved since the two teams last faced in Week 7.

Here are some predictions for the Lions-Vikings Week 18 game at Ford Field, which is a winner-take-all matchup:

MLive

Benjamin Raven predicts the Lions will go 3-0 down the stretch. The offensive is giving me faith in their ability to complete the task. Jared Goff handled the blitz effectively in the first game, and I anticipate him to do so again.Lions 35, Vikings 25.

ESPN

Lions (unanimous)

“Becoming the NFC’s top seed has been a goal for Detroit since the Lions lost to San Francisco in the 2023 NFC Championship Game. Campbell believes it is ‘right here in our hands’ against Minnesota, and a victory in Week 18 would ensure that. Detroit hopes to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in pursuit of its ultimate aim. ‘We all know what the reward is, and it is a Super Bowl,’ Campbell said Wednesday. “You try to set yourself up as best you can, which is why you put those goals out there.”

CBS Sports

Lions are the pick.

“This is the game of the week, and the winner will receive the top seed in the NFC. Both teams can score a lot. The difference is that the Vikings have a little superior defense. However, the home field advantage would be crucial in this situation. “I believe the Vikings will keep it close, but the Lions will win.”

Arizona Republic

Lions are the pick.

“These two NFC North rivals may be the finest teams in the conference. We’ve questioned the Vikings all season, yet they’ve won nine straight games. It can defeat the Lions in a thriller on the road in NFL Week 18.”

The Sports News

Lions are the pick.

“The Vikings have stretched the Lions to their limits in ways no one expected, but Sam Darnold’s performance and Brian Flores’ defense have them in good position. The Lions, on the other hand, will be prepared to smash at home one more time to win a high-scoring game with the stronger final running game.”

The 33rd Team

Pick: Vikings.

“This is the game of the year because it determines who is the NFC’s top seed and who will play on the road in Round 1 of the playoffs. We haven’t had a Week 18 game that determined who would be the No. 1 seed since the Cowboys defeated the Giants in 1993 for the title.

The Detroit Lions are favorites in this game, which makes sense given that they play at home and their offense has been practically unstoppable. However, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense is significantly superior this season, which might cause Jared Goff trouble in this game.

Can Sam Darnold and the rest of the Minnesota offense produce enough points to win this game? They certainly have the weapons to do so, and their ability to finish these games should boost their confidence going into Week 18. Take the Vikings to win on the road and claim the NFC’s top seed.

USA Today

Pick: Lions (majority)

“This will be a great matchup to determine the NFC’s top seed. This one will be a back-and-forth battle, but the Lions will emerge victorious, just like they did in the previous encounter.”

NBC Sports (Pro Football Talk).

Pick: Split.

“Health offsets home-field advantage.”

Bleacher Report

Pick: Lions (majority)

“Since the Lions are still my NFC Super Bowl favorite, I’ll back them to get the top seed and increase their chances of making the big game. Jared Goff has been in these big moments before, and Ben Johnson’s repertoire is extensive. Lions by one field goal.”