Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview (9/25/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

If the Lions want to prove they’re a legitimate playoff contender, this weekend’s matchup with the Vikings is a major opportunity. Detroit’s offense has looked terrific early this season, while Minnesota has been a mixed bag on both sides of the ball. For a historically inconsistent team like the Vikings, this could be a major bounce-back opportunity after an ugly loss in Philadelphia.

Let’s make predictions, dive into the depth charts, and take a look at the odds ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup at Ford Field.

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Odds

The Vikings enter as 6-point home favorites and sit -240 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 53.5 points, the second-highest of any game this week.

The Lions have played two high-scoring games so far, but as clear underdogs, oddsmakers are putting faith in the Vikings’ offense to bounce back from a 7-point showing against the Eagles. Win or lose, it makes sense – the Lions’ defense is a soft landing for a hit-or-miss offense that is due to hit. But could the Lions keep up?

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction

The Lions played the Vikings close twice last season, including a win at home. This is a much-improved Detroit team, so a 6-point spread seems too far.

On paper, this looks like a perfect opportunity for the Vikings to rebound from Monday night’s disaster. Minnesota rarely strings together two bad games, and the Lions’ defense won’t give Kirk Cousins a hard time. Justin Jefferson torched Detroit’s secondary last season. I expect a better performance from this Vikings offense, but I also expect the Lions to at least keep pace.

Jared Goff looks comfortable behind a strong offensive line, Amon-Ra St. Brown looks like a Pro-Bowler, and D’Andre Swift is making a big impact all over the field. Even with the over/under set so high, I wouldn’t touch the under. There’s simply too much potential in both of these offenses, on top of the lackluster defense of the Lions.

Like last year’s matchup in Minnesota, it’s not hard to envision this game coming down to the wire. The Vikings have a great shot at bouncing back, but the Lions don’t look like a team that’s ready to lose by a touchdown or more.

Betting Trends

• The Lions are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. Dan Campbell’s team is plucky and is probably too talented to get blown out by most teams.
• The Vikings are 4-1 ATS when they allowed 250+ passing yards in the previous game. I don’t read too much into overly specific trends, but this perfectly outlines how much the Vikings vary from week-to-week.
• The over is 4-0 in the Lions’ last 4 games. Oddsmakers are starting to catch up to the power of the Lions’ offense, but even at 53.5 points, there’s a real chance to get there.

Key Injuries

Detroit Lions Injuries: Guard Jonah Jackson is questionable after missing Week 2 with a finger injury. Cornerback Amani Oruwariye is questionable after missing Week 2 with a back injury. Center Frank Ragnow is questionable as he deals with foot and groin injuries. Edge rusher Charles Harris is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Minnesota Vikings Injuries: Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. is questionable after missing Week 2 with a quad injury. The Vikings are otherwise mostly healthy.

Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Lions vs. Vikings below.

Justin Jefferson vs. Lions Secondary

Justin Jefferson was in the headlines for his struggles in Week 2 – he was locked down by Darius Slay, catching six passes for 48 yards on 12 targets. The Lions might present the perfect opportunity for a bounce-back game. Jefferson posted 306 yards over two games against Detroit last year, and the Lions’ secondary has been a weak area this season – A.J. Brown torched the unit for 155 yards in Week 1. If the Vikings can get the Cousins-to-Jefferson connection looking anything like it did in Week 1, Minnesota will be in great position.

Aidan Hutchinson vs. Vikings Offensive Line

Aidan Hutchinson was the star of the first half in Detroit’s Week 2 win over the Commanders, sacking Carson Wentz three times in a breakout performance. The 2nd overall pick already looks like he’s found his footing in the NFL, so is he primed for another impactful day in Week 3?

Sacks haven’t been a major problem for the Vikings early in the season. Kirk Cousins has only been taken down three times, and unproven left tackle Christian Darrisaw has held up fine. It’ll be worth watching whether Minnesota’s line can neutralize Hutchinson, whose confidence has to be high after the win over Washington.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goff
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
RB3: Craig Reynolds
LWR: D.J. Chark
RWR: Josh Reynolds
SWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
TE1: T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
RB3: Kene Nwangwu
LWR: Justin Jefferson
RWR: Adam Thielenl
SWR: K.J. Osborn
TE1: Irv Smith Jr.