The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions face off in an NFC North clash on Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota’s rushing defense has been victimized all season, which is why Detroit running back David Montgomery highlights my Lions vs. Vikings player props and NFL picks for Thursday, December 25.
Lions vs Vikings props
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 David Montgomery |
Over 32.5 rushing yards | -110 |
 Max Brosmer |
Over 17.5 completions | -115 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown |
Under 75.5 receiving yards | -110 |
Prop bet #1: David Montgomery Over 32.5 rushing yards
David Montgomery was quiet in Week 16 with just two yards on seven carries in a Detroit Lions loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I’m expecting the running back to bounce back in a big way on Christmas Day against a weak Minnesota Vikings rush defense.
The Vikings have allowed 1,914 total rushing yards this season, the ninth-most in the NFL. They’re also dead last in rush first downs against (130) and fifth-last in rush first down percentage (28%).
Montgomery has rushed for 32+ yards in three of his last four games. He’ll have the upper hand against the Vikings on Christmas.
Prop bet #2: Max Brosmer Over 17.5 completions
Both J.J. McCarthy (hand) and Carson Wentz (shoulder) are unavailable for Minnesota, which forces the Vikings to hand the ball to third-stringer Max Brosmer.
The 24-year-old undrafted rookie has appeared in just six games this season, with his biggest workload coming against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, when he completed 19 passes on 30 attempts.
Brosmer has been efficient when given a chance, completing 66% of his passes and finishing just under 78% against the New York Giants last week.
The Lions are allowing nearly 34 pass attempts per game. If Brosmer can maintain a completion rate of around 66%, he’ll clear 17.5 pass completions with ease.
Prop bet #3: Under 75.5 receiving yards
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been Detroit’s primary passing option this season, leading the team in receptions (98), targets (144), and yards (1,194).
However, the fifth-year pro has been dealing with a knee injury that limited him in practice this week. St. Brown should still play on Christmas Day, but it’s unclear if the wide receiver is anywhere near full health.
St. Brown snagged just four receptions for 54 yards in Week 16, and things won’t get any easier against a stellar Vikings passing defense. Minnesota has allowed the fewest pass attempts in the NFL this season (407), as well as the second-fewest completions (255) and total yards (2,790).
I expect the Lions to go heavy on the passing game as the ailing St. Brown has another quiet night.
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