Week 17 Staff Predictions – Lions at Vikings

What was thought at the start of the season to be a potential division deciding game has devolved into a slop-fest of two teams that are incredibly injured with one out of the playoffs, and one clinging on by the smallest of threads.

In terms of the pick-em, no changes as everyone picked the Lions to win and we all missed, and this week everyone is picking the Lions to win, only the tie breaker will see movement. Dan continues to hold a slim lead due to the tie breaker

Mike

This is the definition of a "must win" game for the Lions. Both teams come in Limping from an Injury standpoint. With the Vikings officially out of the playoff race they will look to play spoiler to the Lions slim chances of making the playoffs. They are down too many impact players. I would expect the Lions to come in with their hair on fire. The Lions offense is in much better shape than the Vikings are on Defense. I also feel the Lions defense is in better shape than the Vikings offense. However it is an NFC North game. The Lions are 7.5 point favorites. I dont think they will cover but will win a close game.

Lions 24, Vikings 21

Brent

The Lions head into this game in a must win or elimination from the playoffs. Lions streak of not losing back to back games ended but Goff and his band of merry men will make quick work of the Vikings. Goff leads the Lions to three straight first half touchdowns and they roll over a JJ McCarthy-less Vikings team 34 to 13.

Lions 34, Vikings 13

Chris

The Lions head to Minnesota on Christmas day, and if you're a Vikings fan hoping for a miracle, you picked the wrong holiday. Max Brosmer will be making his second career start, which tells you everything about how Minnesota's season has unraveled.

Expect a rebound game from last week's Steelers debacle. Detroit's defense will feast on a rookie quarterback, and the offensive line won't hold up against Hutchinson and this pass rush. Meanwhile, Gibbs and Montgomery were embarrassed last week and will gash a Vikings run defense that can't stop anyone when it matters. Goff manages the game; the Lions control the clock, and this one gets ugly in the second half. Lions win comfortably, 34-17.

Lions 34, Vikings 17

Dan

It's a must win, but the Lions must face a Brian Flores defense that strymied them back in Week 9 with a defense that has been gutted on the back end. Fortunately, despite having two potential all-pro WRs, the Vikings QB situation has been nothing short of a disaster, and they will be starting rookie Max Brosmer and be down 3 of five starting OL and starting TE TJ Hockenson. The Lions offense is pretty much intact, although a bug is running through the team, and they should be able to move the ball better this week with the OL a bit more stabilized. As long as the Lions don't make mistakes on offense, they should easily be able to dispatch this Vikings team.

Lions 34, Vikings 17