Lions vs Vikings key storylines
1. Defense wins championships, but will it win this game? The Lions and Vikings couldn't be more opposite at this point in the season. Minnesota is winning with defense, and Detroit is getting by with an electric offense. So it'll be strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness in this key NFC North clash.
2. Not-so smooth sailing: The Vikings are about to enter some rough waters when the calendar flips to November. Minnesota cleaned up with wins over the Saints, Dolphins and Colts in October, but the schedule's difficulty is about to be turned up a notch. The Lions, Bills, Packers and Niners await in the penultimate month of the year for the last undefeated team. We're about to find out if the Vikings are a contender or pretender.
3. Scoring
drought: For the first time this season, Jahmyr Gibbs didn't get into the end zone. For someone who has his eyes on LaDainian Tomlinson's record of 31, that drought can't last much longer. Gibbs has nine total touchdowns through six games, but he'll still have to pick up the pace. That watch continues into Week 8.
Lions vs Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Lions -4.5
- Moneyline: Lions -218; Vikings +180
- Total: 47.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Lions vs Vikings USA TODAY expert picks
Adam Kaufman: Lions 23, Vikings 20
The Vikings keep winning, and their defense keeps making everybody miserable. That travels. But the Lions present a much tougher offensive assignment than the Colts, especially with Jahmyr Gibbs creating problems as both a runner and receiver. Detroit's best approach is keeping Jared Goff out of obvious passing situations, where Brian Flores can turn an ordinary Sunday into an escape room. Minnesota's historically bad offense remains the concern. Can it consistently hold up its end against a team capable of sustaining drives? I'm expecting a tight, physical division game, with the Lions bouncing back to produce just enough offense to hand the Vikings their first loss.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Lions 20, Vikings 13
This might be the end of the line for the Vikings' undefeated run. While Brian Flores' vise-grip defense gives Minnesota a chance in any contest, it will be exceedingly difficult if the Kyler Murray-led offense remains out of sync. Deroit's defense isn't inspiring fear in anyone, but Brian Branch's return has helped the unit at least approach reliability. Jared Goff has the third-highest passer rating of any quarterback against the blitz this year, so Flores might have to be particularly creative in how he tries to box in the Lions' attack.
Nicholas Brinkerhoff: Lions 21, Vikings 17
Unstoppable force meets immovable object. The Lions defense couldn't catch a cold this season, and the Vikings offense appears to be doing their best to boost Brian Flores' chances of landing a head coaching job this offseason. If you like chaos, this Flores defense is for you. Physical and blitz-heavy, Minnesota is the last unbeaten team solely because of that unit. However, it's hard to have any faith in the Kyler Murray-led unit on the other side of the ball. This figures to be an ugly NFC North contest. Trust the Lions' offense to eke out a win at home.
Where to watch Vikings at Lions
- Matchup: Lions vs. Vikings
- Date: Nov. 1
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Ford Field
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- TV: Fox
Vikings at Lions updated injury report
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vikings at Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 8 game
Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
