The Detroit Lions missed out on their chance for a three-game winning streak on Sunday. Next up is a Lions vs. Vikings battle.
Can the Lions bounce back in Week 9 of the 2020 NFL season when they hit the road to face Minnesota?
Oddsmakers think they could have a shot. (Maybe. Fingers crossed.)
Stafford off COVID-19 list, ready for Sunday
The team announced Wednesday that quarterback Matthew Stafford is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
However, as the week went on, it became clear that Stafford did not have COVID-19. In fact he’s now cleared to play on Sunday.
The Lions also have veteran Chase Daniel and David Blough in the quarterback room.
Stafford prepared virtually for the game and should be ready to go.
Lions vs. Vikings: Oddsmakers favor MN by a field goal
The Lions (3-4) take on the Vikings (2-5) next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (CBS) from US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The opening odds for this game see the Vikings as a home favorite. Oddsmakers were giving Minnesota odds of -3.5 points across the board.
On Wednesday after the Stafford news, the game was off the board at all five sportsbooks we’re tracking. It returned to one by Thursday and a moneyline wager was back on the board for another on Friday morning. It was back everywhere on Sunday.
(Odds below as of 11:30 a.m. ET Nov. 8.)
| Lions at Vikings Week 9 odds | BetMGM | DraftKings | FanDuel | PointsBet | William Hill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point spread (-110 juice unless noted) | DET +3 -106 MIN -3 -115 | DET +3.5 MIN - 3.5 | DET +3 -102 MIN -3 -120 | DET +3.5 -115 MIN - 3.5 -105 | DET +3.5 -115 MIN - 3.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | DET +150 MIN -182 | DET +150 MIN -175 | DET +148 MIN -176 | DET +150 MIN -180 | DET +155 MIN -175 |
| Total points (-110 juice unless noted) | O 51.5 U 51.5 | O 51 U 51 | O 51.5 -105 U 51.5 -115 | O 51.5 -105 U 51.5 -115 | O 51.5 U 51.5 |
Despite all agreeing on the odds, the moneylines were quite varied depending on the sportsbook. The Lions were listed from +150 to +175. For the Vikings, odds ranged from -186 to -209.
The over/under for the contest ranged from 52.5 to 53.5 points before the news.
Vikings dominating history with Lions
The Minnesota Vikings have owned this rivalry over time. In the 117 all-time meetings, the Vikings are 76-39-2.
Recent history strongly sides with Minnesota as well. The Vikings have not only won five straight in the series but covered the spread in all five of those wins. Each of the five wins has been by at least seven points, with four by double digits.
The under has been the play for Michigan sports bettors as well, as it has hit in six of the last eight meetings between the Lions and Vikings.
The public betting actually is siding with the Lions early on. Currently, 55% of the wagers are going on the Lions with the points.
Detroit falls flat at home
The Lions had a chance to have their first three-game win streak of the Matt Patricia era, but came up short in a 41-21 loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts.
Detroit once again scored first, as it has in all seven games this season. But the 7-0 lead quickly turned into a 20-7 deficit.
The Lions began a comeback effort, back-to-back possessions with a fumble and a pick-six fromStafford put the game out of reach.
Indianapolis controlled the clock, holding possession for 37:46 of the game to just 22:14 for the Lions.
The Detroit defense was on the field a lot, which led to allowing 366 total yards. Philip Rivers threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Colts in the win.
Offensively, Detroit couldn’t establish a run game. The Lions had just 29 yards on 13 carries. Stafford finished the game with 336 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Along with the loss, the Lions suffered key injuries on Sunday. Top receiver Kenny Golladay left the game in the first half with a hip injury, while offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai left with a foot injury.
Vikings upset Packers at Lambeau
The Minnesota Vikings may have given themselves a shot of life on Sunday with a 28-22 win on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
With the victory, the Vikings move to 2-5 on the season while dropping the Packers to 5-2 atop the NFC North.
Dalvin Cook was nearly unstoppable in Sunday’s win. He had 163 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries, but also has two receptions for 63 yards and a TD.
The Lions have to be concerned about Cook, as their run defense still ranks 23rd in the league.
Kirk Cousins hasn’t had a great season, but he was efficient in Sunday’s win. The former Michigan State quarterback was 11 of 14 passing for 160 yards and a TD.
Defensively, the Vikings allowed 400 yards to the Packers, including 291 through the air.
Stafford and the Lions should find success against Minnesota’s secondary. The Vikings rank 30th in the NFL in pass defense, allowing nearly 290 yards per game.
Rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler was stretchered off the field on Sunday due to a scary neck injury he suffered in the first quarter.
