Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings NFL Week 17 Tips & Predictions - Lions Tipped to Square Divisional Ledger

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Tue 23 Dec 2025 10:07

Ryan Tucker 23 Dec 2025

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Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings Expert NFL Tips for Week 17
Kick Off is at 8:30 AM AEDT at U.S. Bank Stadium
Detroit favored against injury-hit Vikings.
Goff aims for 2+ passing TDs.
Jameson Williams expected to exceed 59.5 yards.

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings NFL Week 17 Tips & Predictions

It's a Christmas Day matchup and Detroit’s play-off hopes are in tatters, but they are still likely to win this matchup with Vikings QB JJ McCarthy set to miss the matchup with a fractured hand.

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings NFL Week 17 Tips & Predictions
Head to Head Record
All Time Record
Most Recent Matchup
Statistical Rankings
Detroit Lions Form
Detroit Lions Betting Trends
Minnesota Vikings Form
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Frequently Asked Questions

The Lions should have won their game against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Jared Goff completed 34 of 54 pass attempts for 364 yards and 3 TD’s with no giveaways. But their run game which has carried them all season long was completely stagnant. David Montgomery had 14 yards on 4 carries while Jahmyr Gibbs posted his lowest total with just 2 yards on 7 carries.

Minnesota just got by the lowly Giants 16-13 and their franchise QB is now on the sidelines injured. Max Brosmer is the likely replacement and he lost his only start this season 26-0 at the Seahawks.

The Vikings did win the previous matchup this season 27-24 off the back of a strong ground game. Goff was great through the air in that one but once again the Lions defence failed to stop their opponent from marching down the field.

Divisional matchups are always close, this Christmas Day matchup will be no different but expect Detroit to be up and about to try and close their season out on a positive against an undermanned opponent.

Take Detroit to win and cover, the game total going Over. Jared Goff to have 2+ passing TD’s and Jameson Williams to feature on the receiving end going over his total of 59.5 yards.

Before losing the first matchup this season, Detroit had won 5 straight and covered the line in 9 straight.
The over has hit in 7 of the last 10 between these teams. Detroit are the 2nd ranked scoring team in the league.
Jared Goff has had 11 passing TD’s in his last 5 games and 6 in his last two outings.
Jameson Williams has had 60+ receiving yards in 4 straight games and had 66 yards in the previous matchup v Minnesota.

Head to Head Record

All Time Record

Minnesota Vikings lead all-time series 81-45-2.

Most Recent Matchup

Date	Result
Nov 2, 2025	MIN 27 @ DET 24

Statistical Rankings

Stat	DET	MIN
Points Scored/Game	30.1 (2nd)	20.3 (26th)
Points Allowed/Game	24.9 (23rd)	21.3 (12th)
Pass Yds/Game	255 (3rd)	173 (28th)
Rush Yds/Game	123 (12th)	103 (24th)
Def. Pass Yds/Game	232 (25th)	169 (3rd)
Def. Rush Yds/Game	114 (16th)	127 (24th)

Detroit Lions Form

Detroit’s playoff hopes are essentially dead following their 2nd straight loss, going down to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday 29-24.

Some unfortunate early season losses to divisional rivals have all but sealed their fate. They would need to win their remaining two games and Green Bay to lose their remaining two, to have a chance to sneak in the back door.

The offence was firing well this season but the staunch defence that the Lions have been known for in the Dan Campbell era was nowhere to be seen in 2025. Consistent scores of 20+ to opponents put too much pressure on the team to win late which is not their playing style.

Detroit Lions Betting Trends

eam Table
Team	Record	ATS	O/U	Away	Home
DET	8-7-0	7-8-0	10-5-0	3-4-0	5-3-0

Minnesota Vikings Form

The Vikings have had what can only be described as a rollercoaster season. Installing JJ McCarthy as the franchise quarterback after a 14-3 season last year was a gamble, and early on it seemed to be a good one.

Then the wheels fell off losing 6 of 7 games between week 7 and 13 before now going on a 3 game win streak, granted against poor opponents. Now McCarthy is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a fracture in his hand and the Vikings will be rounding out the year with two divisional matchups.

Minnesota come into week 17 as the 26th ranked scoring team and the 12th ranked scoring defence.

Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends

eam Table
Team	Record	ATS	O/U	Away	Home
MIN	7-8-0	7-8-0	8-7-0	5-4-0	2-4-0

Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings start?

Kickoff between Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings is at 8:30 AM AEDT, Friday

What channel is Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings on?

You can watch Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings on DAZN

Verdict

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Take Detroit to win and cover, the game total going Over. Jared Goff to have 2+ passing TD’s and Jameson Williams to feature on the receiving end going over his total of 59.5 yards.