The Detroit Lions will be searching for a Christmas miracle when they clash with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.
Detroit needs to win out and get some help to reach the postseason, and Santa may have delivered the perfect opportunity.
My Lions vs. Vikings predictions are laying the points with the visitors against a Minnesota offense that’s banged up beyond recognition.
Here are my best free NFL picks for this NFC North clash on December 25.
Lions vs Vikings prediction
Lions vs Vikings best bet: Lions -7 (-110)
The Detroit Lions are coming off a close loss to the Steelers, which makes this a must-win game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit's pass defense has been god-awful, and the run defense looked just as bad last week. That said, this banged-up Vikings offense won't be able to take advantage.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is out with a hand injury, which means undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will start. Brosmer previously started in Week 12 against Seattle and was awful, throwing for just 126 yards and four picks with 4.2 yards per pass attempt.
Minnesota's top two running backs, Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, are dealing with ankle injuries, and the offensive line is hurting as well.
Stud left tackle Christian Darrisaw was placed on the IR, and Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly is likely out after suffering his third concussion of the year.
The Vikes are 3-0 straight up and against the spread in their last three games. However, they covered just once in their previous seven contests before that. With Brosmer at the helm, they won't be able to keep up with the Lions' explosive attack.
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Lions vs Vikings same-game parlay
Jahmyr Gibbs has been bottled up in recent weeks, but he's still second in the NFL with 17 touchdowns. Gibbs has punched the ball into the end zone in all eight of Detroit's wins, which makes this a perfect parlay piece with Detroit ML.
The Lions have struggled to find running room lately, so they'll need to move the ball through the air. Jared Goff has thrown for more than 250 yards in eight-straight games, including a 284-yard performance against Minnesota in Week 9.
Jameson Williams has logged 70+ receiving yards in six of his last seven games. He averaged 4.8 targets per game in his first 11 contests this year, but that number has surged to 9.5 in four games since tight end Sam LaPorta hit the IR.
Lions vs Vikings SGP
- Lions moneyline
- Jahmyr Gibbs anytime touchdown
- Jared Goff Over 247.5 passing yards
- Jameson Williams Over 62.5 receiving yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Maxxed out
For our big-ticket SGP, let's take the Lions on the 7-point spread and back Brosmer to eclipse 31.5 pass attempts with a negative game script.
Lions vs Vikings SGP
- Lions -7
- Jahmyr Gibbs anytime touchdown
- Jared Goff Over 247.5 passing yards
- Jameson Williams Over 62.5 receiving yards
- Max Brosmer Over 31.5 pass attempts
Lions vs Vikings game predictions
Lions vs Vikings moneyline prediction
The Lions are in a desperate spot against a team that has already been eliminated and will be starting an undrafted rookie at QB. Detroit is a -340 favorite and should take care of business here.
Lions vs Vikings spread prediction
This is a sizable spread for the Lions, who have gone 1-5 ATS in their last six games and are on the road against a division rival. That said, motivation should play a big role, and I don't see the eliminated Vikings performing well with Brosmer. I'll lay the points with the Lions.
Lions vs Vikings Over/Under prediction
With Brosmer under center and a slew of injuries on the line and in the skill positions, expect an ugly performance from Minnesota's offense. That has me leaning towards the Under 43 on the full game total.
Lions vs Vikings odds
- Spread: Detroit -7 | Minnesota +7
- Moneyline: Detroit -340 | Minnesota +270
- Over/Under: Over 43 | Under 43
Lions vs Vikings betting trend to know
The Lions are 14-2 ATS after a loss since the midway point of the 2022 season. Find more NFL betting trends for Lions vs. Vikings.
How to watch Lions vs Vikings
| Location | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Thursday, December 25, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Netflix |
Lions vs Vikings latest injuries
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