5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Week 14

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Kevin O’Connell

Minnesota will win a nail-biter to clinch the NFC North

In previous years, the Vikings’ rivalry with the Lions has been somewhat of an afterthought. With a common hatred of the Packers and no significance in the NFC North, it’s easy for Vikings fans to pull for Dan Campbell and for Lions fans to see anybody, but the Packers win the division.

But Sunday’s game is a rare meeting where there’s a lot on the line for both teams. The Vikings want to clinch their first division title since 2017. The Lions want to prevent that from happening on their own field. Mix in Campbell’s frustration over the way the last meeting ended, and both teams may have to be more aggressive than usual to come away with a victory.

Expect a high-scoring game where both offenses will look to keep up. If the game comes down to the wire, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Lions to go for a late fourth-down or two-point conversion to seal the victory. After all, they have nothing to lose and could make things more difficult than needed for the Vikings.

Prediction: Vikings win 34-33

Schedule