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NFL

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings Preview, Prediction & Odds | Week 17, 2025

Christmas is here, and bettors could win cash to celebrate the holidays with the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings in a high-stakes game with playoff implications.

Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), center, celebrates a touchdown against Tennessee Titans during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
Detroit Lions (8-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
Game Details: Thursday, December 25th, 2025 at 4:30pm ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Where to Watch: Netflix

Week 17 Matchup

Christmas is here, and bettors could win cash to celebrate the holidays with the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings in a high-stakes game with playoff implications. With one team trying to make the playoffs and another trying to end their season on a bright note, this afternoon’s game is going to be a slugfest. Bettors are in for a fun game this afternoon, as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings bring a heated rivalry to this Christmas afternoon.

Betting Odds

Team Spread Money Line Total
Detroit Lions-7.5-370Over 43.5
Minnesota Vikings +7.5+295Under 43.5

** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**

Tale of The Tape

Detroit LionsTeam Stats – Avg Per GameMinnesota Vikings
30.1Points Per Game20.3
255.3Passing Yards Per Game173.7
123.4Rushing Yards Per Game103.1
24.9Opponents Points Per Game Allowed21.3
232.5Opponents Pass Yards Allowed 169.2
114.9Opponents Rush Yards Allowed 127.6

Statistics from various online sources, courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports

Key Details

minnesota vikings
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions’ season has been a rollercoaster, and it could be ending on a rough note due to their losses. While the Lions offense is still an elite unit, scoring more than 30 points per game, with Jared Goff leading the charge. The rushing game is also strong, with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery having strong seasons for the team. Detroit’s weakness, however, is the injuries on defense, especially in the secondary, with Brian Branch suffering a season-ending injury. The Lions’ defense is still a stout unit, but the injuries are holding them back from being a real contender, especially after a brutal loss to the Steelers.

Minnesota Vikings

While the Lions are having issues with the roster, their opponents, the Minnesota Vikings, are in a chaotic state due to their offense falling apart. The team’s offense has been putrid, with J.J. McCarthy not playing well and having injuries. There is also the Vikings’ weak offensive gameplanning, especially with their backup Max Brosmer, even with a strong game against the Giants last week. The defense for the Vikings is a solid unit with being a top tier unit, and could bring out their best against the Lions offense. 

Prediction

With the game being a high-stakes game for playoff implications, the Detroit Lions are a solid choice for bettors to win today on this Christmas afternoon. The Detroit Lions are trying to get a win to keep their Super Bowl window alive, and the Vikings’ season is over, and they could have a rough game today. While the cover for the Lions could entice bettors, they might not cover due to the injuries on the defense, and could blow the line. With the season on the line for them, the Detroit Lions could be bettors’ pick for today’s Christmas game.

Final Pick

Detroit Lions  +7.5

Under 43.5