Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions – Free NFL pick and predictions – December 25, 2025

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions – Free NFL pick and predictions – December 25, 2025

Minnesota Vikings – Detroit Lions: playoff race showdown NFL

The Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions in a crucial NFL game — playoff hopes on one side, the need to prove something on the other. Both teams arrive with mixed momentum and plenty of question marks.

Vikings: confidence back, but a key position is shaky Minnesota Vikings

After a rough spell the Vikings have grabbed a bit of belief. Minnesota have won three straight, though the bigger picture is messy — just four wins from their last ten.

Statistically, they don’t inspire trust. The Vikings score 18,2 points per game and concede 22,3 — a negative balance that shows problems on both sides. Starter J.J. McCarthy is injured. With a right-hand issue he’ll sit, and rookie Max Brosmer steps in for his first NFL start under Kevin O’Connell.

Lions: flashy offense but wildly inconsistent Detroit Lions

The Lions have underperformed this season. At 8-7, Detroit teeters on the edge, with under a 10% chance of making the playoffs.

On paper the offense still looks lethal, putting up nearly 30 points a game. The defense, though, is leaky — giving up about 25 points. On the road it gets worse: Detroit rarely tops 26 points away and struggles to impose its tempo outside its stadium.

Key factors

  • Minnesota are on a three-game streak but show limited offensive numbers.
  • The Vikings will have to back a rookie quarterback.
  • Detroit scores a lot, but drops off sharply on the road.
  • Both defenses have been inconsistent this season.

NFL pick Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

Under 46,5 points

Heading into this game several factors make you wary about the offenses. Detroit rarely posts big numbers on the road this season, and the Vikings are inconsistent — especially without J.J. McCarthy at QB.

Both teams have holes on offense and defense, which can produce disjointed matches or low-scoring, messy affairs with little rhythm. In that unstable context betting on a points-fest looks risky. Given Detroit’s road struggles, Minnesota’s lack of bearings and the QB change, a tighter game than expected seems likely.

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