The Detroit Lions (8-7) and Minnesota Vikings (7-8) will square off in a Week 17 divisional rivalry game on Christmas Day. Detroit is coming off two consecutive losses for the first time since 2022, and the Vikings have won their last three games, but the Lions still have a slim shot at making the playoffs, and it gives them a larger incentive to bring home a win.
The folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the initial betting line at Lions -5.5 points.
The last time these teams met, the Vikings executed a terrific defensive game plan, stressing the offensive line (registering 20 pressures and five sacks on 37 dropbacks), and keying in on taking away Jahmyr Gibbs, on their way to a 27-24 win.
Following the Week 9 win, the Vikings dropped their next four games, eventually leading to their elimination from the 2025 NFL Playoffs. While the Vikings have won all three of their December games, things have gotten a lot more challenging this week, as Minnesota has lost several starters to injury. They’ve placed EDGE Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), DB Josh Metellus (shoulder), and LT Christian Darrisaw (knee) on injured reserve, while QB J.J. McCarthy (hand), RB Jordan Mason (ankle), and starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion) were injured in Week 16.
McCarthy’s injury, in particular, is to his throwing hand, and his sideline interaction with trainers (below), along with a quick rule out of the game, suggests he is not expected to play against the Lions. It’s also likely why we’ve seen the spread expand in the Lions’ favor over the last 24 hours.
At the end of the day, the Vikings’ defense gives them a chance to win most games, but things get a whole lot harder if McCarthy is not able to play in this game. Will the Vikings’ defense put the final nail in the Lions’ playoff hopes? Or will the Lions be able to deliver coal to the fans in Minnesota?
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