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Vikings at Lions: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

By Brad Weiss

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Matthew Stafford No. 9 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Matthew Stafford No. 9 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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In an NFC North battle on Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions will play host to the Minnesota Vikings inside Ford Field to kick off a three-game NFL slate.

When it comes to the NFL season, there are few bigger things during the regular season than the slate of games on Thanksgiving Day. Millions of people get together to celebrate the holiday, and NFL football has become as synonymous with the holiday as eating turkey. Once constant has been that the Detroit Lions play on Thursday, and in 2017, they will take on division rival Minnesota.

The Vikings are currently 8-2 on the year, and have actually not lost a game since these Lions beat them back on October 1. Case Keenum has gone from third-string quarterback, to the team’s savior, and he is not only winning games, but  he is leading his team to wins. The Vikings defense has also been tremendous, as they showed when they slowed down the high-octane offense of the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday.

Detroit has enough weapons to give the Vikings fits, and they are coming off a victory of their own on Sunday. While it took everything they had to beat the Chicago Bears, Thursday will be different, as they are always tough on Thanksgiving Day. Both of these teams have had limited time to prepare, and the Vikings are dealing with a nicked up Everson Griffen and Xavier Rhodes as they head to Detroit.

Odds

Line: Minnesota Vikings (-3.0)

Over/Under: 44.5

The Vikings are road favorites in this one, as they are giving three points to the home Lions. The over/under is set at 44.5, and while these offenses can put up numbers, expect this one to fall below that number on Thursday. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

Next: NFL quarterback rankings, Week 12: Dak Prescott struggling

Prediction

The Vikings have been the hottest team in the NFC North this season, as they currently have a two-game lead in the division. However, expect the Lions to cut that in half on Thursday afternoon, when they take care of business inside Ford Field. This one is going to be close, but the Lions offense makes enough plays to pull out the victory in front of their home crowd.

Final Score: Lions 21 Vikings 17

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