Lions @ Vikings -1(-125) 50
Powerhouse matchup of the mighty NFC North, winter is coming.
Let's start with the total...50?! In a game where Brian Flores is currently playing chess like Bobby Fischer with any opponent in front of him. Ben Johnson is no chump, but Flores has gotten the best of the Niners, Texans and Packers thus far.
Perhaps the gruesome injury to Aiden Hutchinson will allow Darnold to have his way vs the Lions D? And on the flip side, the Lions O line is plowing everyone in front of them, so maybe the total isn't that absurd, and the game is indoors. I'll let you guys ponder the the total.
The Vikings are the #1 dvoa team, 5-0, and coming off a bye. Let's pretend that both teams were equal, and let's say 2 points for home field, then why aren't the Vikings -2?
What's skewing this line to the Lions even after the loss of Hutchinson? Could it be the insane blow out of America's team in the Cowboys? It has to be, right or wrong? People remember best what they saw last. Meanwhile the Vikings sat quietly in the reeds like a stalking tiger. Ha, I don't know about that but it sounds cool.
Detroit did move up to the #2 dvoa team after being #5 last week. They are 34.2% dvoa compared to 41% of the Vikings.
If any coach is capable of a rally cry type effort in wake of a fallen soldier, it's Dan Campbell. 100% he has all ready addressed the team and cried about Hutch, the dude is emotional and that's why the team adheres to him the way they do.
Detroit has won the last 3 matchups. The revenge factor should be big in the Vikings locker room.
Kevin O'Connell is 2-0 su, 1-0-1 ats after a bye.
The Vikings have had the #3 toughest schedule, Lions #24.
I can't really find a great angle to back either side. Other than the Vikings are getting short changed on the line, and we don't fully understand why yet.
This game is must watch tv. Lean Vikings, but not rushing to the window.