Week 18 NFL Sunday Night Football Odds: Minnesota vs. Detroit

Week 18 of the 2024-25 NFL regular season will conclude with an epic Sunday Night Football game pitting NFC North rivals the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Detroit Lions. Not only is the division on the line when these two teams meet at Ford Field in Detroit, MI, but the NFC Conference’s #1 seed will also be up for grabs.

This means that the SNF winner will get home field advantage throughout the Playoffs, a first-round bye, and become just the ninth team to have ever won 15 games in a season. The NFC North title is just the cherry on top.

It also means that the loser will finish 14-3, earn the #5 seed, play on the road in the first round of the Playoffs, and set a new NFL record with the most wins for a Wild Card team. The previous record was set by the Tennessee Titans in 1999. That year, they finished with 13 wins.  

The Detroit Lions are coming off a thrilling Monday Night Football victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17. It was a revenge game of sorts for the Lions as they lost to the 49ers in the 2023-24 NFC Championship game.

The Lions were up 31-28 heading into the fourth quarter where they scored nine points to seal the victory. The 49ers scored a late TD to close the game to 40-34 with 43 seconds left. At this point, Brock Purdy had left the game due to an arm injury. He had an eye-popping game with 377 yards and four total TDs.

The Vikings had quite the adventure last Sunday versus the Green Bay Packers. Minnesota was up 27 to 10 heading into the fourth quarter and clearly the better team that day. Sam Darnold torched the Packers defense as he threw for 377 yards and 3 TDs on the day.

However, the Packers woke up halfway through the final quarter and scored two touchdowns and a two-point conversion to get within two points with 2:18 left in the game. Minnesota was able to pick up a first down and run out the clock, but not before having to fend off a feisty rival.

The Lions and Vikings played in Week 6, and Detroit won that game 31-29 on a last second field goal. Four days later, the Vikings dropped their second game of the season. Minnesota hasn’t lost since then as they’re on a nine-game winning streak.

This is arguably the greatest regular season finale in the history of the NFL.

Can Detroit sweep Minnesota and lock up the #1 seed or will the Vikings raid Ford Field and tame the Lions for the conference’s top spot and NFC North crown?

Let’s dive deeper into the latest NFL odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our Week 18 NFL Predictions for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions. 

What Channel Is Sunday Night Football On?

• Sunday Night Football Channel: NBC and Peacock
• Sunday Night Football Time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Sunday Night Football Announcers: Mike Tirico and Chris Collinsworth

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Sunday Night Football Betting 

Keep an eye on the latest NFL odds for SNF and monitor how the lines change throughout the week.

When the odds first opened up, the Detroit Lions were huge betting favorites at -250. The Minnesota Vikings were listed at +205 underdogs. Those lines didn’t begin to shift until October when the league and sportsbooks started realizing that Minnesota was actually a good team.

Currently, the Lions are listed as favorites with odds ranging from -145 to -155. The Vikings are listed as the underdogs with odds ranging from +120 to +130. One could assume that the Vikings would be favored if this game was played in Minnesota.

The spread also followed suit with Detroit opening at -5.5 favorites and then slowly seeing their line come down to the current range of -2.5 points. If you think the Lions will win then a spread under three points is great.

However, if you think the Vikings will win, then you might want to shop around or wait to see of the line moves up to +3 points, that way a last second field goal wouldn’t crush your wager. At worse, it would be a push.

The Total has seen a big shift as well. It opened at 47 total points and has gone up ever since then. It seemed that every week these two teams played well, the O/U would go up. Currently, the Over/Under is listed at 58 to 58.5 total points.

Last weekend, we hammered the Washington Commanders moneyline and covering the four-point spread at home versus the Atlanta Falcons. The game was great as these teams went into overtime before Washington would score a touchdown to win 30-24 and covering both of our SNF bets.

The win brought our record to 13-4 on the season and got us back into the win column after Tampa Bay dropped the ball at Dallas in Week 16.

Including Thanksgiving Day games, we finished our Thursday Night Football predictions going 14-5 on the season. That’s a whopping 27-9 on primetime NFL games.

If you love what we’re doing with our Sunday Night Football picks then check out our industry leading Handicapping Membership Service. You can get access to the best handicappers for just one low monthly fee. It’s a great way to build your bankroll.

Sunday Night Football Odds

The following Sunday Night Football odds are courtesy of ScoresandStats:

The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions have played against each other 126 times. They have also faced each other twice in the Playoffs, which this weekend’s game certainly feels like. The Vikings hold a sizable lead in this rivalry with an 80-44-2 series record.

The Lions have won five of the last six meetings including for in a row. As mentioned above, these two teams already played in Week 6 and the Lions picked up a thrilling last-second victory (31-29).

Surprisingly, Minnesota has a solid record at Detroit. The Vikings are 36-26-1 all-time against the Lions in Detroit. However, the Lions have won their last three home matchups. Last season’s home game actually came in January 2024, where Detroit won 30 to 20.

Sunday Night Football Betting Trends

Check out the following Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions betting trends:

Vikings vs. Lions Betting Trends

• Detroit is 5-5 SU in last 10 games
• Detroit is 8-1-1 ATS in last 10 meetings
• Over is 7-3 in last 10 contests
• Detroit is 3-1 SU in last four home games
• Minnesota is 2-2 ATS in last four games at Detroit

Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends

• 9-1 SU in last 10 games
• 7-1 SU in last eight road games
• 4-1 SU in last five NFC North games
• 9-2 SU in last 11 NFC games
• 6-3-1 ATS in last 10 games
• 5-2-1 ATS in last eight road games
• 3-1-1 ATS in last five NFC North games
• 7-3-1 ATS in last 11 NFC games
• Under is 9-7 this season
• Over is 4-1 in last five NFC North games

Detroit Lions Betting Trends

• 9-1 SU in last 10 games
• 6-2 SU in last eight home games
• 5-0 SU in last five NFC North games
• 10-1 SU in last 11 NFC games
• 6-4 ATS in last 10 games
• 5-3 ATS in last eight home games
• 3-2 ATS in last five NFC North games
• 6-5 ATS in last 11 NFC games
• Over is 9-7 this season
• Over is 3-2 in last five NFC North games

Sunday Night Football Predictions

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key matchups for this game as we make our Sunday Night Football NFL picks. NFL stats are courtesy of TeamRankings and Pro Football Reference.

Vikings Offense vs. Lions Defense

On the season, the Vikings are 9^th in the NFL, scoring 26.4 ppg. The Lions rank 9^th in fewest points allowed at 20.8 ppg. Minnesota is 10^th in red zone touchdowns (59.65%), 9^th in touchdowns per game (2.9 TDs), and 5^th in passing yards (243.8 ypg).

Sam Darnold has been stellar this season. In fact, even though I believe that Josh Allen will win the NFL MVP award, you have to give Darnold some love especially if he wins this game on SNF.

In 16 games, Darnold has thrown for 4,153 yards, 35 TDs and 12 INTs. He’s had the best season of his career and is coming off a 377-yard performance versus the Packers last weekend.

In seven road games, Darnold has 1,786 passing yards, 14 TDs and 5 INTs. He’s played remarkable well and only lost won away game, which came versus the Rams on TNF in Week 7.

In five NFC North matchups, Darnold has thrown for 1,472 yards, 10 TDs and 4 INTs. Once again, he’s proven over and over again that this isn’t luck or against just bad teams. In the Week 6 game versus Detroit, Darnold finished with 259 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. That was his sixth highest passing total for the season.

The Lions have the second worst pass defense in the league as they allow 250.4 ypg. This was true on MNF last weekend when they allowed Brock Purdy to throw for 377 yards and 3 TDs.

I expect Darnold to have a big game as this Minnesota offense is playing its best football of the season down the stretch. They look great against the Packers last weekend, at Seattle two weeks ago, and versus Atlanta four weeks ago. In fact, over the last five games, Minnesota beat four Playoff contending teams.

Detroit lost to the Bills three weeks ago, after the defense gave up 48 points. They also allowed 31 points to the Packers the week prior.

When you include the injuries that this Detroit defense has experienced during the season, you have to like Darnold and the rest of this Minnesota offense for this in-game matchup.

Vikings Defense vs. Lions Offense

Just as much as we like the Vikings offense in this game, we also like the Lions offense just as much. In fact, since the game is in Detroit, we have to give the Lions offense a slight edge over Minnesota’s offense as well.

Detroit has arguably the best offense in the NFL as they rank in the Top 6 for just about every major offensive statistical category.

Detroit is 1^st in scoring (33.3 ppg), 2^nd in yardage (410.5 ypg), 3^rd in yards per play (6.2 yds), 4^th in third down conversion (47.94%), 5^th in fourth down conversions (68.97%), third in red zone touchdowns (68.12%), 1^st in TDs per game (4.1 TDs), 6^th in rushing (144.4 ypg), and 2^nd in passing (266.1 ypg).

Like Detroit’s defense, Minnesota’s run defense is stout against opposing running backs as they allow just 88.1 ypg, which is the second-best mark in the league. So, Jahmyr Gibbs is going to have a tough time moving the ball on the ground.

However, he could have a big game catching the ball out of the backfield as he finished with 44 receiving yards in the first game, while Montgomery finished with 39 receiving yards. That’s receiving 83 yards to running backs. Montgomery will miss the game with an injury, which sets up perfect for Gibbs to have a big day.

Minnesota’s pass defense is the 5^th worst in the league, as they allow 243.6 ypg. In their first matchup, Jared Goff threw for 280 yards, 2 TDs, and a remarkable 140 rating as he went 22 for 25 in the game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown put up 112 yards and a TD on eight receptions versus the Vikings. He surpassed Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson to be the most productive receiver on the day. This could end up the same on Sunday as Brown is Goff’s main passing weapon especially on third downs. Jefferson does get competition from Addison and Hockenson.

One more thing to note is that Detroit is even better at home than they are compared to their season averages listed above.

At home this season, the Lions average 425.3 ypg compared to 410.5 ypg, 35.9 ppg compared to 33.3 ppg, and a 70.73% red zone touchdown rate compared to 68.12%. Just when you think they can’t get any better, the Lions show that they can when playing at home.

The Vikings have been good on the road, but they do allow a higher touchdown red zone rate of 71.43% compared to their season average or 56.52%. Additionally, they also see an uptick in pass plays from 64.33% to 68.63% and points allowed from 18.8 ppg to 19.1 ppg.

These upticks are what will be the difference between winning and losing.

Who Wins SNF: Vikings or Lions?

The Lions are 6-2 in home games this season along with going 6-2 SU as the home favorite. Speaking of being the favorite, Detroit has gone 13-2 SU as the favorite this season. The Vikings are 1-0 SU as the road underdog along with going 6-1 SU in away games. They’re also 3-0 SU as the underdog this season.

Both teams have excelled in the division as Detroit is 5-0 SU and Minnesota is 4-1 SU. They’re also very close in Conference records as the Vikings are 9-2 SU and the Lions are 10-1 SU. Following a win, Minnesota is 12-1 SU and Detroit is 11-2 SU. Both teams won in Week 17.

It’s hard to find a clear advantage in the moneyline trends between these two teams. There is a little bit more separation in the spread analysis.

Detroit is 4-4 ATS as a home favorite and 11-5 ATS overall. The Vikings are 11-4-1 ATS this season along with going 4-2-1 ATS in away games, 3-0 ATS as an underdog, and 1-0 ATS as a road underdog. Furthermore, the Vikings are 9-3-1 ATS following a win and Detroit is 8-5 ATS.

Minnesota holds the slight advantage in divisional games with a 3-1-1 ATS record this year, while Detroit is 3-2 ATS in the NFC North.

I like for Minnesota to cover a three-point spread. If you can’t find the spread at three points, then take the Lions to cover 2 or 2.5 points. Only take the Vikings at 3 or more points.

I think this game comes down to another last-minute field goal. So, whoever has the ball last will win. With that said, I think Detroit pulls off another stunning victory at home over the Vikings.

Keep in mind, Detroit has won four in a row over Minnesota and they have also taken the last three home games versus the Vikings. I think the Lions offense edges out the Vikings offense in a 34 to 31 victory.

Bet: Detroit Lions -150, Detroit Lions -2.5 (-110)

Sunday Night Football Prop Bets

Check out our picks for the best Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Game and Player Prop bets:

As of this writing Player Prop bets and most Game props have not been released. We will update this section once they become available and we can find some betting value with the props.

Best Bets For Sunday Night Football

The best bets for Sunday Night Football are as follows:

• Detroit Lions -150
• Detroit Lions -2.5 (-110)

As I alluded to in the beginning of the article, this Week 18 matchup between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings has to be the greatest regular season finale in the history of the NFL. Never has a game had more riding on the line than this one. Additionally, when you factor in the teams’ records, it becomes even more staggering.

With that said, I picked the Detroit Lions to win the NFC North at the start of the season. I also thought they would contend for the NFC Conference, but fall short to the Philadelphia Eagles. For that to happen, they need to win this game at home over their divisional rival.

Although the Vikings have a commanding lead in the all-time rivalry, Detroit has won four games in a row over Minnesota. Additionally, they have won their last three home contests versus the Vikings.

Detroit is 5-0 SU in the division coming into this weekend. They’re also 6-2 SU in home games and 10-1 SU in NFC contests. Minnesota is just slightly behind Detroit in these categories.

Their first matchup of the season ended with a last second field goal and the Lions handed the Vikings their first loss of the season. I see that scenario playing out again. This time, I think the Lions break a tied score with a last second field goal to win the game 34 to 31.

This also means that I see the Lions covering a three-point spread. The Lions are 11-5 ATS on the year and 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 head-to-head meetings with the Vikings.

This is going to be an epic clash between two great teams, two MVP caliber quarterbacks, two legitimate NFC Conference contenders, and two offenses filled with highly talented skilled players like St. Brown, Gibbs, LaPorta, Jefferson, Addison, Jones, and Hockenson.

Get your popcorn ready because this is going to be an instant classic that we talk about for years to come.

Sunday Night Football Schedule 

Sunday Night Football Record

The following list is of each team’s all-time record on Sunday Night Football. This also includes postseason games as well: