Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Same Game Parlay Picks, Odds & Predictions

The Week 18 installment of Sunday Night Football takes NFL bettors to the Motor City where the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions will square off with both the NFC North title and NFC’s No. 1 seed on the line. Kevin O’Connell’s troops held up their end of the bargain last week by scoring the 27-25 home win and cover against the Green Bay Packers in a matchup that was much less competitive than the two point margin of victory suggests. As for Dan Campbell’s troops, they were the beneficiaries of a late-game injury to Brock Purdy which changed all the momentum in the match and allowed the Lions to get out of Silicon Valley with their 14^th win and a cover in tow.

Caesars Sportsbook initially lined the Lions 3-point favorites on the NFL odds to win this pivotal divisional clash with a total of 51.5. Though Minnesota has been aligned with 60+ percent of the bets and handle, linemakers have bypassed moving off the key number and instead attached heavier vig to Minnesota’s side of the impost. With these teams combining for 60 back in Week 7 and playing to six straight high scorers, and influx of over money has pushed the O/U all the way out to 56 with some 56.5 already on the board at other spots.

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions NFL Same Game Parlay:

The Minnesota Vikings remained tied with the Detroit Lions atop the NFC North standings after securing a gritty 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, covering the closing NFL spread as narrow 1-point favorites. Following a close 27-24 win over the Seahawks despite losing the yardage battle the previous week, Sam Darnold and the Vikings’ offense exploded for 441 total yards against Green Bay. However, the team still had to fend off a late Packers rally to sweep the season series against their division rivals. The Vikings allowed 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points but managed to sustain drives and forced Green Bay to burn its timeouts, ultimately sealing the win and cover. With their ninth consecutive victory, the Vikings improved to 14-2 straight up (SU) and 11-4-1 against the spread (ATS). However, much of their recent dominance has come against teams with losing or mediocre records, raising questions about their readiness for tougher challenges. The Vikings answered the first of those tests by defeating the Packers but now face their most significant hurdle of the season—a Week 18 showdown in Detroit with the NFC North title on the line. Justin Jefferson and the offense will aim to avenge their narrow home loss to the Lions back in Week 7. 

Despite being outgained 475-439 and facing multiple touchdown deficits, the Detroit Lions showcased their championship resolve by securing a thrilling 40-34 road win against the San Francisco 49ers, covering the NFL spread in the process and maintaining their lead in the NFC playoff race. Jared Goff delivered another masterful performance, posting a 132.3 QB rating with 303 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Jahmyr Gibbs starred once again, amassing 163 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams each hauled in scoring receptions. The Lions’ offense was efficient and relentless, accumulating 23 first downs, converting 64% of third downs, and cashing in on 3 of 4 red-zone opportunities. However, defensive struggles were glaring. Detroit had no answers for Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ high-powered offense before he exited with an elbow injury. San Francisco amassed nearly 500 yards, moved the chains 29 times, and scored touchdowns on all five red-zone trips. These vulnerabilities have become a trend, as the Lions’ defense has surrendered an average of 32.5 points per game over the past four weeks. As the team prepares for this crucial Week 18 clash, injuries to key defensive players have raised concerns about the Lions’ ability to maintain their NFC North supremacy and make a deep postseason run. 

I completely understand why total bettors are enthusiastic about the over in this rematch. The first meeting featured one explosive play after another, resulting in 60 combined points, despite both teams combining for a single red-zone appearance. Historically, the last six matchups have been high-scoring shootouts, averaging nearly 55 points per game, often leaving scoreboard operators struggling to keep pace with the action on the field. That said, my question is this: Can both offenses continue to execute at such a high level with so much on the line? My answer is no, which is why I’m siding with the minority and backing the under. Additionally, I recommend laying the points with the Lions at home. Were it not for their defense being decimated by injuries, I firmly believe Detroit wouldn’t have fallen to the Buffalo Bills’ one-man wrecking crew and would be riding a 14-game winning streak heading into this matchup. Securing the No. 1 seed and winning a Super Bowl title has been Detroit’s primary goal since the start of the season, and I fully expect this feel-good story to take a step closer towards reaching its satisfying conclusion.

• DETROIT LIONS -3
• MINNESOTA/DETROIT UNDER 56

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