Vikings Lions Betting – An End To Minnesota’s Wild Ride
The sports betting experts have had an interesting time watching the last few games played by the Minnesota Vikings. First the Vikings had to play a home game in Detroit after the Minnesota Metrodome collapsed. Then the Vikings had to play an outdoor game in the freezing rain and snow at the University of Minnesota last Monday night. In week 16, a snowstorm convinced the league to move the Sunday night game between the Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles to Tuesday night. That makes the last week of the season very short for the Eagles and the Vikings.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, January 2nd, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- Pick: Detroit Lions (no line)
What’s On The Line
The Vikings (5-9) just want this season to be over. The colossal failure that was the Brett Favre experiment part 2 and the firing of head coach Brad Childress during the season only adds to the adventure that was the Metrodome disaster. The football betting that was supposed to be so promising in Minnesota this season has been nothing but a nightmare that the Vikings would like to forget.
The Detroit Lions (5-10) have seen glimpses of where the franchise is headed and the news is good for Lions fans. Detroit is developing one of the most potent defensive lines in football, and if quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay healthy next year then the Detroit offense should make this team a playoff contender.
Offensive Matchups: Viking Lions Betting
If Vikings quarterback Brett Favre passes his concussion tests then they can start looking at his shoulder. If his strained shoulder allows him to throw the ball, then they can look at the fractured bones in his ankle in foot. If that all checks out, then the Vikings are still without running back Adrian Peterson who is nursing a bad knee. The Vikings have nothing to bring to this party.
All of the Detroit Lions quarterbacks are injured. However, Shaun Hill looks like he may be able to play with Drew Stanton backing him up. Rookie running back Jahvid Best is also nursing injuries, but he could play as well. This hobbled Detroit Lions offense is still more effective than the unit the Vikings will be able to put on the field.
Betting Edge: Lions
Defensive Matchups: Vikings Lions Betting
The Vikings defense was really picking up some steam for a while there and racking up some sacks. But the extreme distractions that the team has experienced lately have brought the defense back down to Earth. Defensive lineman Jared Allen has 9.5 sacks this season, which is more than the rest of the Vikings starting defensive linemen combined. The secondary has been inconsistent and has allowed some big plays in the last few games.
The Detroit Lions have a strong defensive rookie of the year candidate in Ndamukong Suh. Su has nine sacks this season and is part of a Detroit front defensive line that is improving with each game. The Lions need to work on their defense beyond the defensive line. The linebackers are having problems holding down the middle of the field and their secondary is prone to giving up more than one big play a game.
Betting Edge: Viking
Notable Injuries: Viking Lions Betting
The injured list for the Lions is long, and it is headed by some important starters. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is out with a bad shoulder. Safety Louis Delmas (concussion) is doubtful for the game. Quarterback Shaun Hill (finger) and linebacker Landon Johnson (neck) are questionable, but both are expected to play.
As bad as the Lions injury problems are, the Vikings starting lineup injuries are worse. Safety Tyrell Johnson (knee) is definitely out for the game. Quarterback Brett Favre (shoulder and concussion) is questionable. Running back Adrian Peterson (knee) and safety Madieu Williams (concussion) are both out and their status for the game is unknown.
Betting Edge: Lions
Outlook and Pick: Vikings Lions Betting
The Vikings had such high hopes for this season, but they had to watch as every one of their aspirations collapsed under a pile of snow. The Vikings now have no home, no hope for the playoffs and a very cloudy future. It is difficult to focus on football with all of those distractions.
The Lions are looking forward to the future and are building a playoff contender. The Lions could be in the playoffs as early as next season, provided there is a season in 2011.
Tony’s Pick: Detroit Lions
