NFL Free Pick: MINN/DET
The Minnesota Vikings might have a one-game lead in their quest to finish as the top team in the NFC North, but they could be without some valuable players on defense.
The Vikes play their division rivals the Detroit Lions in Week 14.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Vikings –9.5 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set at 46 total points.
Key Trend: The Vikings are just 5-10 against the spread in their last 15 games, while the over has covered in 10 of Minnesota’s last 14 games when playing on the road against Detroit.
Key Stat: The Lions have a small edge in passing yards per game (182.5 to 181.4), as well as passing yards allowed (216.8 to 219.9).
Game Outlook: While the opening line for this game was set at Vikings –9.5, that was before the news broke that both Kevin Williams and Pat Williams would be suspended for the next four weeks. The Williamses are the key to the Vikings’ stout running defense and if they’re out, that’s a huge disadvantage for Minnesota, even against a hapless Lions team. However, there has been talk that the league will allow the two defensive tackles to play as their suspensions are appealed. Watch the line, if the two don’t play, you might get Minnesota at a bargain. If they don’t play and the line stays at 9.5, it might be wise to take the Lions to cover because that’s a huge blow. If they do play, then there’s no hesitation – take Minnesota and lay the 9.5. Detroit is 0-5 against the spread in its last five home games.
Our Free NFL Pick for the Week 14 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions game is
MINNESOTA VIKINGS –9.5
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
Minnesota Vikings 24
Detroit Lions 14
We also predict that this game will GO UNDER THE TOTAL (46 Sportsbook.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS
Posted: 12/7/08 7:00AM ET