NFL Free Pick: Vikings vs Lions

The opening game of Week 12 in the NFL features the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day in an NFC North showdown. The current line on top sportsbooks has Minnesota favored by 3 points with the over/under point total on 44.5.

Entering this game, Minnesota on the season is 8-2 straight up and 7-3 against the spread. On the road, the Vikings are 3-1 SU and 1-3 ATS. Detroit on the season is 6-4 SU and 5-4-1 ATS. At home, the Lions are 2-3 SU and ATS.

Minnesota enters this game as one of the NFL’s hottest teams winning six straight and holding a two-game lead over Detroit in the NFC North. In Week 11, the Vikings shut down the prolific offense of the Los Angeles Rams 24-7.

Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw for 280 yards and one touchdown against a tough Rams defense. Latavious Murray had 95 yards rushing with two touchdowns, while wide receiver Adam Thielen caught six catches for 123 yards to lead the Rams.

On defense, the Vikings yield only 17.2 points and 290.5 yards per game, of which 212 yards is allowed through the air and 78 yards on the ground.

Detroit enters this important game riding a winning streak of three games, including last Sunday’s 27-24 victory over the Bears.

The Lions are led by quarterback Matthew Stafford who last Sunday against Chicago passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Theo Riddick rushed for 35 yards while Ameer Addullah had 22. Marvin Jones Jr. caught four passes for 85 yards and one touchdown for the Lions, while both Kenny Gollady and TJ Jones each had 55 yards receiving.

On defense the Lions are allowing 23.4 points and 354.5 total yards per game, of which 240 yards is passing and 114 yards is on the ground.

Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 game versus opponents from the NFC North.

Detroit is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games versus opponents with a record above .500.

With this free pick, we like Minnesota to cover.