Minnesota at Detroit

Detroit lost the first meeting when Greg Joseph kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired after the Lions had gone ahead with 37 seconds remaining. Rookie coach Dan Campbell decided not to put much pressure on QB Kirk Cousins, who threw two passes for 40 yards to get the Vikings into field goal range. Detroit fans hope Campbell has learned some lessons after several close losses, including 16-14 against Chicago on Thanksgiving Day and 13-10 to Cleveland the week before. Detroit has covered the spread its last three games, and Minnesota comes off a 34-26 loss at San Francisco while being outgained 423-323. The Vikings have the #30 defense in the league in total yards allowed, and that is worse than Detroit (#28). The Vikings have gone OVER seven of their past eight road games, and they are 0-6 ATS versus teams with losing records (0-4 ATS their last four December games). Also, Minnesota is 1-8 ATS as a favorite and 3-7 ATS after an ATS loss dating to last season. Detroit has gone OVER 14 of its last 20 home games and has covered five straight after scoring fewer than 15 points in its previous game. The Vikings could be without as many as six starters on defense due to injuries and COVID protocols. Play the Lions and the OVER.