Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Odds and Picks for Thursday, 12/25/25

The Detroit Lions will be hoping to bounce back from a brutal loss to the Steelers when they visit the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 of the NFL season on Christmas Day. Detroit’s playoff aspirations are on life support following this past Sunday’s 29-24 home setback against Pittsburgh. It could not be any less complicated — the Lions have to win out and the Packers have to lose out in order to make the playoffs. I think the visitors should be able to take their first step toward staying alive with their own victory on Thursday, but asking them to cover 6 points against a decent opponent is probably too much. My Lions vs Vikings pick is for the home team against the spread.

Minnesota QB J.J. McCarthy left last weekend’s victory over the Giants with a hand injury, but x-rays were negative and he is questionable for Thursday. It sounds like the Michigan product has a decent chance to play. If that’s the case, the Vikings have a good shot at being competitive. After all, the Lions just aren’t themselves this season. They are a shocking 4-6 in their last 10 contests after starting the year 4-1, so the end is near at 8-7. These 2 teams also squared off in Minnesota during the 2024 regular season, when Detroit survived 31-29. The Vikings were much better back then, but so were the Lions. Another 1-score game is likely in the cards. Of course, all bets are off is the home side has to go with Max Brosmer instead of McCarthy.

Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings prediction: Minnesota +6 (-108) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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