Lions vs. Vikings: NFL Week 5 betting odds, preview, and pick
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers. (David Berding/Icon Sportswire)
October 5th, 2021
The Detroit Lions face a tough test on Sunday when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on the road in an NFC North grudge match.
The Vikings are 1-1 at U.S. Bank Stadium on the season after a Week 4 loss to the Cleveland Browns. They are just 1-3 overall, 2-2 against the spread, and installed as 7.5 point favorites. The Lions are 0-4 straight-up and 2-2 against the spread as well.
Let’s dive into the matchup, beginning with the latest betting odds.
Lions are Rebuilding... and it shows
Everyone knew the Lions would be in for a long year in 2021 after trading Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason. Jared Goff is in to lead the offense, and while Detroit has talent in the backfield and at the tight end position, it's deficient at wide receiver. The Lions' third leading receiver is Kalif Raymond, an unheralded option who has 14 receptions through four games.
This snap hit Jared Goff and bounced right to the defensive lineman 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 3, 2021
Bizarre turnover for the Lions
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/qYu8DCid0F
On the defensive side, injuries have decimated a depth chart that looked respectable entering the season. Nearly all of their best players are out, including Jeff Okudah, Da’Shawn Hand, and Romeo Okwara. What is left on the field is an array of relatively unproven and unknown options still trying to make their way in the league on rookie contracts.
Lions vs. Vikings Injury Report
| Detroit Lions | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|
C Frank Glasgow: Questionable (toe) | LB Anthony Barr: Probable (knee) |
OT Tyler Decker: Out (finger) | LB Michael Pierce: Questionable (elbow) |
LB Romeo Okwara: Out (Achilles) | CB Bashaud Breeland: Questionable (illness) |
CB Jeff Okudah: Out (Achilles) | RB Dalvin Cook: Questionable (ankle) |
Lions and Vikings Betting Trends
- The Lions are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games
- The Lions are 1-6 ATS in their last seven meetings
- The Lions have only covered four of the last 16 games in Minnesota
- The Under is 7-1 in the last eight head-to-head meetings
- The Vikings are 40-17 ATS in their last 57 games following a straight-up loss
Healthier Vikings will Take the Day
The Lions have played above expectations this year, showing the resilience that head coach Dan Campbell expects of his team by playing through the end of the game and outscoring a few of their opponents in the fourth quarter.
Despite their persistence, things are bleak, and it's obvious to all the Lions are likely headed to a last place finish in the division. The offense is the biggest issue, with no great receiving threats and a mediocre quarterback trying to drive the offense.
The second issue is the injuries that have decimated this Lions' defense. Okudah was a big loss and will continue to be throughout 2021. Okwara was the team's leading pass rusher, and his absence further diminishes a pass rush that has struggled with Trey Flowers, Kevin Strong, and Da’Shawn Hand all out. Expect Kirk Cousins to have a banner day as he has extra time to find Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen down field.
Score prediction: Vikings 31, Lions 14
NFL Week 5 pick: Vikings -7.5
Lions vs. Vikings pick powered by The Quant Edge
Our predictive engine is calling for the Vikings to win outright, but for the Lions to cover the spread. The projected score will be Under 48.5 points.
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