Last Updated on September 26, 2010 3:40 pm by Anthony Rome
Lions vs. Vikings Free Pick
Two teams still searching for a victory will square off at the Metrodome on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions. Here’s our NFL Week 3 prediction for this game.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Vikings 11-point favorites over the Lions in Week 3. The over/under total for this game has been set at 42.5.
While looking at the public betting information when determining a prediction for this Week 3 matchup, it’s interesting to note that over 55% of the public is currently back the Lions. That’s probably because with the way the Vikings have played in the first two weeks, they shouldn’t be favored over anyone – not even Detroit.
But this prediction comes down to bucking the trend. The Lions probably aren’t going to play tight games every week like they have in their first two games – not with Shaun Hill at quarterback, anyway. And the Vikings probably aren’t going to play as poorly as they have in their first two games, even though they have major issues at receiver.
Another interesting factor that has gone into this prediction is the line movement. The public generally moves the line and with that in mind, why have the Vikings gone from –10 to –11 if over 50% of the public is backing the Lions? Shouldn’t the odds stay at –10? It’s not like the Vikings acquired Vincent Jackson (not that he would play anyway due to a suspension) and oddsmakers are playing into public perception.
The Prediction:
Lay the points with the Vikings. The Lions have covered in each of their first two weeks, but that doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to take a bad team getting points on the road. The Vikings are going to erupt at some point and don’t forget they’ve played two quality opponents in the Saints and the Dolphins in the first two weeks. The Lions are not a quality opponent and even though we’re talking about double-digit points here, the Vikings are the play in Week 3.
2010 NFL Week 3 Prediction: MINNESOTA VIKINGS –11