Vegas Explains Drastic Odds Shift for Vikings-Lions, Panthers-Seahawks Line Movement in NFL Week 14

On Sunday evening, the Minnesota Vikings opened as a 2.5-point favorite in their Week 14 divisional matchup with their NFC North rival Detroit Lions.

Both teams had come off significant home wins, with the Vikings holding off the upstart New York Jets 27-22 at U.S. Bank Stadium to win their 10th game of the season, while the Lions trounced the Jacksonville Jaguars 40-14 at Ford Field after a mini-bye following their 3-point loss on Thanksgiving to the Buffalo Bills.

By Tuesday, the sides had completely flip-flopped in the betting market, with the Lions now currently stand as the new betting favorite on the board at -2.5 vs. the Vikings.

Vikings vs. Lions Odds, Spread and Total for NFL Week 14

Meanwhile, the Vikings-Lions weren't the only surprising movers in the first few days since NFL Week 14 betting lines opened up. Following their comeback 27-23 victory on the road vs. the L.A. Rams this week, the Seattle Seahawks opened up as 6-point favorites to the Carolina Panthers at home this week at Lumen Field.

Now, the odds have nearly been cut in half, with the Panthers moving all the way up to +3.5 on the board at most available sportsbooks.

Panthers vs. Seahawks Odds, Spread and Total for NFL Week 14

So what caused the massive swing?

Vegas Explains What Caused Line Movement in Vikings-Lions, Panthers-Seahawks in Week 14

It's one thing to say, "the sharps moved the line," but it's another to get an inside account as to what actually led to sharp bettors jumping on both these two teams at their original number.

For further context, we reached out to WynnBET Senior Trader John Manica for some added perspective to better understand why each team moved as drastically as they did.

For the Lions moving from near 3-point underdogs to favorites, Manica told BetSided that the Vikings, despite their double digit victories and 10-2 season, have not shown themselves to be a worthy favorite, especially vs. a team like Detroit that's potentially being overlooked:

"The Lions are the model darlings," says Manica.

"The Vikings had to have some late-game heroics to beat the Lions the first time, and narrowly escaped several other contests, including their last game against the Jets. The public view of the Vikings is high. The Lions, even considering their recent uptrend, is pretty low. This kept the opening number low. There are still questions to be answered on how good the Vikings really are, who have not recorded a double digit win since Week 1. That being said, they are in the driver's seat for one of the top seeds in the NFC. This could be a situation where they feel comfortable at the top of the division and overlook a recently impressive Lions team."

Manica also pointed out point blank that they've taken direct betting action on Detroit across almost every number available, and could see the line continuing to move in their direction.

"We have taken Lions' bets at every level, from +1 to -2.5, where we currently stand," Manica told BetSided.

"There has been very little resistance, and I would not be surprised to see this jump to the key number of 3 where we will surely see some Vikings backers come out of the woodwork. We will need the Vikings on Sunday, as the public will likely back the better record and division leaders later in the week. But, the sharps have already spoken loudly on the Lions."

As for the Panthers move against the Seahawks, the WynnBET oddsmaker says that substantial wagers came in when they were at +5.5, and since they've moved, it's been quiet ever since. He also doesn't see the same advantage the sharps have for this game relative to the Lions.

"We took significant wagers at +5.5 and +4.5, taking us to +4 where we currently stand. This all happened within a few minutes yesterday and there has been no interest in the game since. The Panthers are 0-5 on the road with ample time to prepare coming off their bye week. The Seahawks are still fighting for a division title and return home after a hard fought division win."

Latest NFL Week 14 Betting Odds for Vikings-Lions, Panthers-Seahawks

Here's where every sportsbook currently stands for these two matchups on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.