Detroit Lions -1 @ Minnesota Vikings – Side Play
The Detroit Lions (4-4) and the Minnesota Vikings (5-4) are two teams headed in opposite directions. The Lions look for a season-high third consecutive victory as they try to avenge a loss at home to the Vikings back in week 3. If they succeed in defeating their NFC North nemesis it will be Minnesota’s third consecutive loss.
This is a huge game for both teams as they both face tough schedules in the second half of the season. Detroit and Minnesota have both yet to play a resurgent Green Bay and also both play AFC powerhouse Houston. The Vikings face the Bears twice, while the Lions play Chicago once more.
The Lions are getting their swagger back having comeback against a solid Seattle team on October 28, and then rolled over a terrible Jacksonville squad 31-14 last Sunday. Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell combined for 4 touchdowns and 143 yards on the ground against the Jaguars.
Detroit had averaged 97 rushing yards until last week, and they look to continue their success as Minnesota has surrendered an average of 165.8 yards on the ground in the last four games.
Adrian Peterson continues to have a remarkable season, especially considering his short turn-around from knee surgery. He gained 182 yards in a 30-20 loss against Seattle last week adding to his NFL leading 957 yards. He has averaged 152.7 rushing yards over the last three games.
He will likely be carrying the load for an offense that is struggling to pass the ball. Christian Ponder has only thrown six touchdowns and eight interceptions over the past five games. With Percy Harvin likely the on the shelf, Ponder will be hard pressed to find another reliable target.
Detroit Lions -1 @ Minnesota Vikings (betting prediction)
Detroit is hitting its stride at the right time of the season and with revenge in their minds they will do what they must to bury their division rival. Minnesota is just 8-17 straight up in its last 25 games and 2-6-1 against the spread in its last 9 home games.
Detroit has covered their last 4 games after dropping 13 of their previous 16.
Give me the points; I’m taking the Lions -1 in a favourable situation playing a revenge game against a slumping division opponent who has some injuries on an already struggling offense.
Play: Detroit -1 (5dimes.eu)
Read our full 5Dimes review to learn more about our recommended bookie.
Detroit Lions Betting • Minnesota Vikings betting • NFL Betting • Side Play Betting