Vikings vs. Lions preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game

The Detroit Lions are NFC North champions! Never thought I'd get to write that in my lifetime, but after Week 18, it will be official. The Lions will have won their first division title in three decades, and the only thing standing between them and a home playoff game are the Minnesota Vikings.

It isn't all sunshine and rainbows though. The Lions are still fighting for playoff seeding. Going into Week 18, they can wind up either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NFC. A lot needs to happen for the Lions to earn that second seed, but it is possible, so you can imagine Dan Campbell and his crew will throw everything at the Vikings for even a glimmer of hope.

The Vikings have an even smaller glimmer of hope. At 7-9, they are somehow still alive in the playoff race. In order to reach the playoffs, they need to win obviously. They also need Green Bay to lose, Seattle to lose, and one of either Tampa Bay or New Orleans to lose. It's tough, but possible, and just like the Lions, the Vikings likely won't give up until they are out of it for certain.

Here's everything you need to know.

Bitter end: NFL power rankings Week 18: Cowboys, Lions virtually tied after controversial finish

Predictions for Vikings vs. Lions:

Sportsbook Wire: Lions (-3.5)

The Lions still have something to play for, and the Vikings are starting Nick Mullens. Even if the Vikings' defense could limit the juggernaut that is the Detroit Lions' offense, it's hard to imagine Mullens outscoring one of the league's top defenses throughout the year.

CBS Sports: Lions 31, Vikings 18

Pete Prisco writes, "The Vikings still have an outside chance to make the playoffs, while the Lions have already clinched a spot and could just be playing for a higher seed. The Lions lost a tough one last week at Dallas, but back home they will get right for the playoffs with an impressive showing here against a Vikings team with a mess at quarterback."

FOX Sports: Detroit 28, Minnesota 18

FOX Sports points out that the Lions are 11-5 ATS this season, which is spectacular alone, but when coupled with the Vikings' mediocre 7-6-3 record ATS this year, the Lions seem to be a solid pick.

BetMGM: Lions 1st Half (-2.5)

The BetMGM staff writes, "Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday he has no plans to rest starters, making the Lions a viable play. In addition to owning a rest advantage over the Vikings, the Lions have excelled early under Campbell following a loss. Under Campbell, Detroit is 6-1 ATS in the first half as favorites when they’re coming off a loss."

How to watch Vikings vs. Lions: TV, streaming and schedule

When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 1 p.m. ET

Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI

Cable TV: FOX

Streaming: FuboTV

Watch the game: Stream NFL Week 18 action with Fubo

Vikings vs. Lions odds, spread and lines

The Lions are slight favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

All odds as of Saturday.

• Spread: Lions (-3)

• Moneyline: Lions (-175); Vikings (+145)

• Over/under: 45.5

Injury News:

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report:

Detroit Lions Injury Report:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vikings vs. Lions: Predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game