- Matchup: Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings
- Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Broadcasting: Netflix
- Odds-Point Spread: Vikings (+7.5)
- Total-Over/Under: 43
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On Thursday, U.S. Bank Stadium will host a crucial matchup between the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) and the Detroit Lions (8-7). Expert oddsmakers have positioned Minnesota as 7.5-point underdogs, with the over/under set at 43 points.
The Detroit Lions enter this game with an 8-7 record for the season. In their previous outing, they faced a defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing at 29-24. Jahmyr Gibbs shone on the ground with 7 carries for 2 yards (0.3 yards per attempt). He also made an impact in the receiving game, catching 10 passes for 66 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per reception. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and 3 touchdowns, boasting a QB rating of 101.2 with no interceptions. However, the Lions struggled against the rush, allowing 230 yards on 27 attempts (8.5 yards per carry). In terms of their pass defense, they conceded 27 completions on 41 attempts for 251 yards, which translates to a 65.9% completion rate. Overall, Detroit ran 66 plays for a total of 361 yards, with their ground game producing just 15 yards from 12 carries, averaging 1.3 yards per rush.
This season, the Lions have accumulated a total of 5,680 yards. They have earned 195 first downs and faced 93 penalties totaling 658 yards. In terms of scoring, Detroit has recorded 33 passing touchdowns and 21 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the ball over 8 times (5 interceptions and 3 fumbles). Their running game averages 123.4 yards per game, ranking them 12th overall in the league. The average points scored per game by NFC North teams stands at 30.1.
Defensively, the Lions rank 23rd in the league, allowing an average of 24.9 points per game. They permit 4.3 yards per rush and 114.9 rushing yards on average. Their passing defense has surrendered 3,487 yards, placing them 25th in the NFL, with opponents gaining an average of 232.5 yards per game through the air and a completion rate of 61.9%. Overall, the Lions give up 347.4 yards per game, ranking them 23rd in the league, while allowing 29 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns, totalling 1,724 rushing yards over 15 games this season.
The Minnesota Vikings head into this contest with a season record of 7-8. Their last game resulted in a narrow win over the New York Giants, finishing at 16-13. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy passed for 108 yards on 9 of 14 attempts, achieving a QB rating of 58 along with 1 interception and averaging 7.7 yards per pass attempt. Running back Aaron Jones recorded 21 carries for 85 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. The Vikings’ top receiver Justin Jefferson made 6 catches for 85 yards, averaging 14.2 yards per reception. As a team, Minnesota rushed for 3.7 yards per play, accumulating a total of 114 yards from 31 attempts. The Vikings executed 54 plays, totaling 240 yards with a play average of 4.4 yards. Their defense allowed a completion rate of 53.8%, yielding 13 yards on 7 of 13 attempts, along with 30 rushing attempts for 128 yards (4.3 yards per carry).
The Minnesota Vikings average 276.7 yards of offense per game, ranking them 28th in the NFL. With an average of 103.1 rushing yards per game, they have rushed for a total of 1,546 yards. However, they have given up 21 interceptions and 8 lost fumbles, tallying 141 first downs offensively. The Vikings offense has incurred 846 yards in penalties, ranking 8th in professional football for hurting their own chances. This season, Minnesota has accumulated 2,605 passing yards, averaging 173.7 yards per game, putting them 28th in the league. In terms of scoring, they rank 26th, averaging 20.3 points per game.
Defensively, the Vikings allow 21.3 points per game, ranking 12th in the NFL. They have given up 14 passing touchdowns along with an average of 169.2 passing yards per game, placing them 3rd in the league. Furthermore, they have allowed a total of 1,914 rushing yards this season (127.6 yards per game) and 13 rushing touchdowns. The Minnesota defense has been on the field for a total of 911 plays, ranking 13th in professional football. They have forced 15 turnovers (9 fumbles and 6 interceptions) this season, allowing a total of 320 points.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s Lions vs. Vikings matchup against the spread?
Expert Prediction: Choose the Vikings +7.5
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