The Detroit Lions have established the reputation of being among the NFL’s toughest teams, and in keeping with that reputation, they present themselves as a club that can overcome obstacles. And those challenges are now squarely in front of them as they attempt to capture the NFC North for the second consecutive year.
Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a serious injury during the Lions’ 47-9 Week 6 rout of the Dallas Cowboys. He broke his leg making a play and was out for at least four months. With Hutchinson leading the league with 7.5 sacks and being the hammer of a defense that must now continue to swing in his absence, the Lions lose not only their greatest player but also one of the best young defensive players in the NFL.
The 5-0 Minnesota Vikings, who are one of just two teams without a loss and are coming off a Week 6 bye, will be the opponent for the 4-1 Lions this week. In addition to the Vikings’ offense being booming under coach Kevin O’Connell and journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold’s career comeback, their defense has intimidated opposition offenses with a unique strategy designed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. As the two teams compete for control of the top spot in their division, Flores will surely face the Lions’ offense, which has established a reputation for being equal parts explosive in the passing game and physical in the run game.
Where to watch Vikings vs. Lions
- When: Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. ET
- Where: U.S. Bank Stadium — Minneapolis
- TV: FOX
- Live Stream: fuboTV – (Start Your Free Trial)
Vikings vs. Lions spread, odds
The most recent NFL odds see Minnesota as a modest 2.5-point favorite versus Detroit. There are 50 points over/under.
View NFL predictions from SportsLine’s sophisticated computer model for every game, including this one.
Recent series history between the Vikings and Lions
Since coach Dan Campbell took over in 2021, Detroit has started to change the course of the series, despite Minnesota winning six of its last ten games. The Lions have won four of their past five games, including three in a row, since their second meeting in 2021.
- Jan. 7, 2024 — Detroit 30, Minnesota 20
- Dec. 24, 2023 — Detroit 30, Minnesota 24
- Dec. 11, 2022 — Detroit 34, Minnesota 23
- Sept. 25, 2022 — Minnesota 28, Detroit 24
- Dec. 5, 2021 — Detroit 29, Minnesota 27
- Oct. 10, 2021 — Minnesota 19, Detroit 17
- Jan. 3, 2021 — Minnesota 37, Detroit 35
- Nov. 8, 2020 — Minnesota 34, Detroit 20
- Dec. 8, 2019 — Minnesota 20, Detroit 7
- Oct. 20, 2019 — Minnesota 42, Detroit 30