NFC North Battle: Vikings vs. Lions – NFL Expert Picks & Predictions (11/1)
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Oct 29, 2026, 5:02 pm ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+3.5
-115
46.5
-110u
+160
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-3.5
110
45.5
-105o
-175
A classic NFC North rivalry matchup is upon us this weekend, as the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Of course there is no love lost between these two sides, as they are more than familiar with the other. The Lions are already 1-0 in divisional games this year, beating the Packers on this turf last weekend. Can they find a way to hand the Vikings their first loss of the season? Or will Minnesota's luck keep on working? Dive into our NFL expert picks below.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Game Information
Can TJ Hockenson and the Vikings keep their winning ways alive in this NFC North divisional matchup?
Both teams are looking to extend winning streaks, six games for the Vikings, two for the Lions. But Minnesota hasn't been blowing teams out. For starters, they are only 4-2 against the spread this year, winning just two games by more than a single possession. Aaron Jones should be back, but two offensive linemen are banged up. Lucky for the Vikings, we know how good their defense will be.
The Lions finally have an almost healthy roster, and are 3-0 at home this year. I like them to defend their home field once again, but worry about laying the field goal since they are just 1-4-1 ATS this season.
Matchup Information – Minnesota vs. Detroit – November 1
- Venue & Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
- Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Kick Off: 1:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX
Vikings vs. Lions Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of BetOnline as of Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 4:35 p.m. eastern.
Spread
- Vikings +3.5 (-115)
- Lions -3.5 (-102)
Moneyline
- Vikings +145
- Lions -175
Total
- Over 45.5 (-110)
- Under 45.5 (-108)
Vikings vs. Lions NFL Analysis and Insights
As good as the Vikings' defense is, the Lions are coming with a vengeance. They lost to Minnesota in both games last year, and want to keep their undefeated streak at home alive. Plus, it's always satisfying to knock off the last remaining unbeaten team in the NFL. They have a chance to do that, and hand a rival a divisional loss in the same weekend.
I think they are more than capable.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions NFL Expert Picks
Jahmyr Gibbs is always a threat as a pass catcher
Best Bet: Jahmyr Gibbs Over 4.5 Receptions (+105) BetOnline
I have a future on Jahmyr Gibbs to go over his 449.5 receiving yards this entire season. He is certainly on track with 270 through six games. But in this contest, I'll just target his catches. Gibbs has had five catches in two straight games, and in five of six this season. Plus he averages nearly seven targets per game. He should get plenty of dump downs on Sunday against the Vikings secondary.
Last year against Minnesota, Gibbs caught five passes on six targets in two games, but the year prior caught all nine targets across two games. That was with David Montgomery in the backfield. Gibbs is not competing for routes with any other running back, and he's second on the the team in receptions, and tied for second in targets.
So far this season, the Vikings have struggled to cover receiving backs. D'Andre Swift caught five of six passes for 54 yards, leading the Bears. Tampa Bay's backs combined for four catches on nine targets, and Jonathan Taylor caught two of three passes in an offense that doesn't utilize RBs as pass catchers. Given Gibbs' success through the air already this season, I have a feeling he will get plenty of looks on Sunday, enough to cash this plus money prop.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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