The Detroit Lions’ playoff chances are little to none, but the boys in Honolulu Blue still have to suit up again on Christmas Day.
They leave their families (or put them in planes) to head to Minnesota to take on the 7-8 Vikings. Detroit has dropped in nearly every power ranking, as many agree they’re not a bad team, it’s just not the Lions’ year.
Here are some Week 17 picks, predictions, and thoughts from NFL analysts and writers.
Five of six USA Today sports writers polled say the Lions have this one in the bag.
“With a slim playoff chance remaining, Detroit will be fully pressing the gas to stay alive. Minnesota’s offense may still struggle against a leaky Lions defense.” — Jordan Mendoza
“At some point the Lions have to get back on track…right? If not now, yikes.” — Blake Schuster
“Detroit is fighting for their lives. Expect them to pull out all the stops in a must-win game.” — Jon Hoefling
“Suddenly, the Lions desperately need to pull out a victory. The Vikings are playing more for the future, but Detroit’s main issue is a defense that can’t stop giving up big yardage and point totals.” — Lorenzo Reyes
And from the writer who thinks the Vikings will win:
“I’m not sure how we’re going to like the way the Lions look in desperation mode. Something tells me Max Brosmer has a shot to keep the Vikings in it against Detroit’s weak and banged-up defense.” — Christopher Bumbaca
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Lions 28, Vikings 17
“The Lions would be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Vikings. Max Brosmer would get the start if McCarthy cannot play. Detroit is 3-4 S/U on the road this season, but the QB uncertainty in Minnesota is too much. Look for Detroit to keep its hopes alive behind the combination of Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs.”
USA Today’s Tyler Dragon: Lions 27, Vikings 17
“Last week’s loss gave the Lions an 8% chance to make the postseason. Detroit needs to win out and get a lot of help. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy can’t stay healthy. The desperate Lions get a win with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.”
Finally, of the 6 experts who were polled at ESPN, all of them think the Lions will take the win.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- In case you missed it, Ennis Rakestraw’s out here doing some big things.
- Forget white Christmas, the Lions are going all black on Christmas day.
- Dan Miller sat down one-on-one to talk state of the Lions and the controversial outcome of last week’s game.
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