Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings, 11/2/18 NFL Predictions & Preview

Lions vs. Vikings Total Prediction

Will a pair of strong quarterbacks lead their teams to high scoring totals when the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions on Sunday at 1PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

451 Detroit Lions at 452 Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, November 4, 2018

1PM ET – U.S. Bank Stadium

TV: FOX

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Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Vikings are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -5 points against the Lions. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 49 points. The public betting for this game currently has 73 percent going on the Vikings at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Lions sell

Following an embarrassing 28-14 loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks, the Detroit Lions made some noise this week by trading Golden Tate to the Eagles for a 3^rd-round pick. Detroit fell to 3-4 on the season in the loss and they are now 5-2 against the spread and 5-2 with the over.

Detroit is still a pretty sound offense even without Tate, as the team averages 24.4 points and 384.9 yards per game. Tate was the leading receiver with 44 catches for 517 yards, but Matthew Stafford has plenty of weapons. Stafford has thrown for 1,912 yards and 14 touchdowns this year and the team has hopes to improve its run game behind rookie Kerryon Johnson. He has rushed for 466 yards this season. Defensively, Detroit is giving up 26.6 points and 390.4 yards per game. Their run defense has really struggled, allowing 144.6 yards per contest. Despite that, the unit has amassed 23 sacks.

Vikings beat up

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a 30-20 loss at home to the Saints to snap a 3-game winning streak. The Vikings are now 4-3-1 on the season, 4-3-1 against the spread and 4-4 with the over/under total. They are 3-1 with the under at home.

Minnesota is averaging 24.6 points and 402.3 yards per game on offense this season. They come into this week’s game with some injuries up front, including to left tackle Riley Reiff. He is uncertain to play this weekend with a foot injury. Minnesota already has a poor run game, with Dalvin Cook continuing to miss time with a hamstring injury. Latavius Murray is the leading rusher on the team with 386 yards and four scores. Kirk Cousins has thrown or 2,521 yards and 16 touchdowns, but has been sacked 23 times. Adam Thielen is having an MVP-type season at receiver. He has 74 catches for 925 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing just 24.4 points and 357.3 yards per game. The unit has 21 sacks and is led by Danielle Hunter, who has eight sacks.

NFL Betting Trends

Detroit

The Lions have hit the over in four straight games in November and in five of their last six division games.

Minnesota

The Vikings have hit the under in 20 of their last 27 division games and in six of their last eight home games.

Prediction:

The Vikings should have a pretty simple game plan for Sunday. If they watched the Seahawks, Minnesota should pound the rock and then look to play action pass for big plays. Detroit is likely to struggle to run the ball against Minnesota, which will hurt its ability to throw downfield. Without Tate, it takes away a safety check for Stafford. I look for Detroit to have a low score again this week as it tries to figure out what to do without Tate.

NFL Prediction: Lions/Vikings Under 49