Vikings vs. Lions for TNF Betting Odds and Free Pick

Last Updated on December 22, 2025 1:27 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Detroit Lions will play the first of their two do-or-die games in their push for a postseason spot when they visit the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.

Despite being on a positive run and coming off a 16–13 win over the New York Giants, the Vikings have already been eliminated and will not be part of the playoffs.

The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a tough loss in a highly competitive game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and no longer control their own destiny.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all NFL predictions, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings are left to regret that their good form did not arrive earlier in the season. They are on a three-game winning streak—their first stretch of consecutive wins all year, but they no longer have anything to play for.

With a 7–8 record, even if they were to win their final two games, a playoff berth is out of reach.The Chicago Bears lead the division at 11–4, while the seventh seed in the conference belongs to the Green Bay Packers at 9–5–1.

They are coming off a 16–13 win over the Giants, scoring on a J.J. McCarthy rushing touchdown and three field goals. The quarterback completed just nine of 14 passes for 108 yards, threw one interception, and was sacked three times—one of which was recovered by Tyler Nubin for a touchdown. He also had two runs for 20 yards, including the aforementioned score.

Defensively, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. recorded his first interception of the season, while Blake Cashman posted 16 combined tackles, and the team totaled five sacks. As mentioned, the touchdown came off a sack on McCarthy, highlighting a very solid defensive performance.

Why Bet on Lions?

The Detroit Lions picked the worst possible time to lose back-to-back games for the first time this season. They hold an 8–7 record and will need to win their final two games while also hoping the Green Bay Packers (9–5–1) lose both of theirs in order to reach the playoffs as the seventh seed in the conference.

The Lions are coming off a tough home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, falling 24–29 after allowing 17 points in the fourth quarter.

Jared Goff completed 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdown passes, without an interception. Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, and Jahmyr Gibbs were on the receiving end of those scores.

Goff ranks third in the NFL in passing yards this season (4,036), fourth in pass attempts (507), and second in completions (348). He boasts a strong 68.6% completion rate, averages eight yards per attempt, and has a passer rating of 109.4.

Gibbs carried the ball just seven times for two yards on Sunday, and despite not scoring on the ground, he remains second in the league in rushing touchdowns with 13. Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown caught only four passes and has scored just once in one of his last four games (two touchdowns that day), but he still ranks second in receiving touchdowns with 11.

Final Betting Analysis: Vikings vs. Lions

The Vikings come into this matchup riding a three-game winning streak and playing without pressure, as they have already been eliminated, while the Lions are in poor form after two straight losses and must win. However, we believe Minnesota’s opponents during this stretch have been weaker, which is why Detroit should come away with the victory.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange list the Lions as the favorites, with a Moneyline of -258, while the Vikings are priced at +210.

The last time these teams met was on November 2 of this year, when the Vikings won 27–24, snapping a five-game losing streak in the series. Minnesota has not won two consecutive head-to-head meetings since 2021. The all-time series favors the Vikings, with 81 wins, 45 losses, and two draws.

Go for a win for the Lions. If you bet $100 at -258, you will gain $39 for a total payout of $139.

Vikings vs. Lions Betting Pick: Lions