Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18). Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 18: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions betting picks, preview

By Griffin Carroll | Last updated 1/4/24

We have an NFC North matchup on our hands to wrap the year in the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, and both teams still have something worth playing for. That makes our betting choice all the more appealing in Week 18.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions: Betting Odds

Spread: Detroit -3, Over/under: 45.5 points, Minnesota +150 | Detroit -180

Detroit has clinched the NFC North and is fighting for an outside chance at taking the No. 2 seed in the NFC should they win and Dallas loses. The 11-5 Lions have been one of the most exciting teams in the NFL this year, sporting an offense packed with playmakers.

The secondary has had their problems, but they've been solid against the run and have pieces throughout.

A whole lot needs to go the Vikings way for them to make the playoffs, but they're not out of it yet, so expect them to give it their all in this one. It will be Nick Mullens back starting at quarterback for Minnesota, who at least offers a semblance of a floor we can trust.

These two played just two weeks ago, a 30-24 win for the Lions.

Detroit is 11-5 ATS and 10-6 to the over this season. Minnesota is 7-6-3 ATS and 10-6 to the under.

Betting Picks for Minnesota vs. Detroit

Over 45.5 points

As we were going through our research processes all week, both defenses came up as solid targets for wide receiver production.

The Lions have been letting up a ton of explosive plays of late, while the Vikings have shown an inability to slow down WR receptions and touchdowns.

With a pair of star wide receivers in Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, we were thinking the best course of action could be to simply listen to the numbers and expectations by loading up the over.

This over just hit two weeks ago and has now hit in four straight meetings. Need we say more? Bet the over.

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