Vikings vs. Lions Prediction: Detroit Predicted to Win SNF Week 18 [2025]

The Detroit Lions will take on the Minnesota Vikings in NFL Week 18 action at Ford Field on Sunday, commencing at 8:20PM ET.

Based on the latest simulations, Dimers' proven NFL model (see Dimers Pro for full access) predicts the Lions as the most likely winner of today's game.

"Using the most recent data, our experts ran 10,000 simulations of Sunday's Minnesota-Detroit game," said Dimers' Chief Content Officer, Nick Slade.

"After accounting for recent updates and other variables, our prediction shows the Lions with a win probability of 58%, while the Vikings have 42%."

This updated Vikings vs. Lions betting preview builds on my early Vikings vs. Lions prediction that I published at the start of the week.

For a closer look at today’s game, including the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks, visit our interactive Vikings vs. Lions predictions page.

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Vikings vs. Lions Game-Day Updates and Essential Details

The NFL Week 18 matchup between the Lions and Vikings at Ford Field is scheduled to start at 8:20PM ET.

• Who: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
• Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
• Time: 8:20PM ET/5:20PM PT
• Venue: Ford Field
• Tickets: Get tickets for the game on Ticketmaster
• Merchandise: Buy Lions and Vikings gear at Fanatics

Dimers.com's full preview of Sunday's Vikings vs. Lions matchup includes our prediction, picks and the latest betting odds.

Before making any Minnesota vs. Detroit picks, be sure to check out the latest NFL predictions and betting advice from Dimers Pro.

Vikings vs. Lions Predictions

Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Sunday's NFL matchup between the Vikings and Lions 10,000 times as part of our NFL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model gives the Lions a 58% chance of beating the Vikings in Week 18 of the NFL season. Our predicted final score has the Lions winning 29-26.

According to our model, the Lions (-2.5) have a 56% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 56.5 points has a 52% chance of staying under.

Vikings vs. Lions Odds

We have researched the best betting odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Vikings	Lions
Spread	+2.5 (+102)	-2.5 (-124)
Moneyline	+140	-158
Total	o56.5 (-110)	u56.5 (-102)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Vikings vs. Lions Picks

Our model's biggest edge in today's Vikings vs. Lions matchup is on the spread.

Our expert predictions, matched against the latest odds, reveal the best NFL picks for every game throughout the season.

Unlimited access to our full set of picks, including this one, is available via Dimers Pro.

Vikings vs. Lions TD Scorers

Who will score the first touchdown in Vikings vs. Lions?

According to our model, Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs is most likely to score the first TD in Vikings vs. Lions.

Our projections give Gibbs a 16.2% chance of getting in for six first at Ford Field, while the Lions RB is a 69.4% chance of scoring an anytime touchdown.

First Touchdown Scorer Predictions

Minnesota Vikings

Player	First TD Probability
Justin Jefferson	11.5%
Aaron Jones	10.3%
Jordan Addison	8.1%

Detroit Lions

Player	First TD Probability
Jahmyr Gibbs	16.2%
Amon-Ra St. Brown	9.2%
Jameson Williams	8.6%

Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions

Minnesota Vikings

Player	Anytime TD Probability
Justin Jefferson	56.2%
Aaron Jones	51.2%
Jordan Addison	42.1%

Detroit Lions

Player	Anytime TD Probability
Jahmyr Gibbs	69.4%
Amon-Ra St. Brown	45.7%
Jameson Williams	43.2%

Vikings vs Lions Player Props

Discover our predictions for the players likely to lead in passing, rushing and receiving yards for both the Vikings and Lions. For detailed projections, join Dimers Pro.

Already a Dimers Pro member? Head to our Vikings-Lions page now to access every player prop projection.

Vikings vs. Lions Quarterbacks

Of the starting quarterbacks, the Vikings' Sam Darnold is projected to throw for more yards than the Lions' Jared Goff.

Vikings Rushing

Aaron Jones, Cam Akers and Sam Darnold are projected to be the leading rushers for the Vikings.

Player	Position
Aaron Jones	RB
Cam Akers	RB
Sam Darnold	QB

Lions Rushing

Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki are expected to lead the Lions in rushing yards.

Player	Position
Jahmyr Gibbs	RB
Craig Reynolds	RB
Sione Vaki	RB

Vikings Receiving

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor and Aaron Jones are projected to top the receiving yards for the Vikings.

Player	Position
Justin Jefferson	WR
Jordan Addison	WR
T.J. Hockenson	TE
Jalen Nailor	WR
Aaron Jones	RB

Lions Receiving

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs and Tim Patrick are projected to lead the Lions in receiving yards.

Player	Position
Amon-Ra St. Brown	WR
Jameson Williams	WR
Sam LaPorta	TE
Jahmyr Gibbs	RB
Tim Patrick	WR

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Conclusion

We predict the Lions, with a 58% win probability, will likely beat the Vikings in Week 18 of the NFL season.

AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Vikings vs. Lions insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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