Predictions: Minnesota Vikings-Detroit Lions

John Maakaron

Ford Field should have the feel of a celebratory atmosphere, as the Detroit Lions  return home to face the Minnesota Vikings for the first time as the reigning NFC North division champions. 

Given Detroit's mindset and the opportunity to still play for the No. 2 overall seed in the NFC playoff standings, it i s expected Dan Campbell's squad will execute at a high level. 

A motivated and angry Lions football team should dominate the Vikings to close the season, who will finish the 2023 campaign with a losing record. 

Lions 30, Vikings 17 

Christian Booher

On the heels of a controversial loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Detroit Lions have a great opportunity to bounce back and earn their 12th win of the season. A win will also give them some positive momentum heading into the playoffs.

Standing in their way are the Vikings , which have cycled through quarterbacks since Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending injury. Nick Mullens will get the start, and had success against the Lions in their first meeting just two weeks ago. 

However, given the added motivation of last week's loss and having already played Mullens, I think the Lions' defense has a much better showing against the veteran quarterback. Dan Campbell will have his team ready to roll, and Sunday should serve as a celebration for a team that has already accomplished so much before it begins its playoff journey. 

Lions 31, Vikings 13

Vito Chirco 

After suffering a devastating defeat against the Cowboys last week, the Lions have a great chance to get back on track Sunday against Minnesota.

Just two weeks ago, Detroit knocked off the Vikings, 30-24, en route to clinching the NFC North division title. 

The Lions produced a solid defensive effort in the Week 16 contest. They limited their division rivals from Minnesota to just 17 total rushing yards, and intercepted Nick Mullens four times. 

Meanwhile, Jared Goff was ultra efficient through the air, completing 30-of-40 passes for 257 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

Aided by the return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Alim McNeill, I believe the Lions close out the regular season by sweeping the season series with the Vikings.

Lions 31, Vikings 20

Camren Clouthier

On the surface, Detroit runs the risk of injury to any of its starters in this final game before the playoff push. But, that's a risk that Dan Campbell is apparently willing to take.

The Vikings , on the other hand, recently lost former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson for the season due to injury, and really don't have much to play for with the playoffs being a long shot. They don't even have a competent quarterback right now (sorry, Nick Mullens). As a result, I just don't see this being an overly competitive game on their end.

I fully expect the Lions to avenge last weekend's loss to Dallas and run away with this one. Detroit will find great success in this home game, as it marches toward the postseason.

Lions 24, Vikings 14