NFL Sunday Night Football Picks & Player Props: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (Week 18)
The Minnesota Vikings will play the Detroit Lions in an epic battle on Sunday Night Football. The winner will earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while the loser will earn the No. 5 seed. This is a huge matchup between division rivals, each with identical 14-2 records.
I’ve got the best bet and a player prop you’ll want to consider for Week 18’s matchup. Let’s close out the regular season strong.
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Best NFL Week 18 Sunday Night Football Picks & Player Prop Bets
NFL odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (Game Pick)
It’s hard to find flaws in both teams heading into this Week 18 matchup. The Lions have had the better overall offense. Ultimately, the defense has suffered some significant injuries, but it’s also been strong, allowing fewer than 21 points per game.
Detroit’s secondary has stood out the most. Despite allowing over 250 yards per game in the air, the coverage has been really good. After all, the Lions score many points and score quickly, so many teams will add a high rate of passing yards against them on a game-to-game basis. Still, the secondary is great.
On the other hand, the Vikings have had a differential of 7.63, while the Lions have had a differential of 12.5. The Lions have won games more convincingly throughout the season.
These two teams played back in October - Detroit escaped with a two-point win. Jared Goff was almost perfect and Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 116 yards on just 15 carries.
This game will be just as tight this time. But if the Lions were able to pull out a win on the road, they’ll have a much better chance at pulling out a win at home when it matters the most.
I don’t care if the Lions didn’t bench their guys last week and have one less day to prepare. That won’t have a major impact on them, despite what many think.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (Player Prop)
T.J. Hockenson has had at least five targets over his last six games. He’s finally starting to look healthy and is fitting into the Vikings’ offense.
That said, Hockenson doesn’t have an easy matchup tonight. He’s facing a Detroit defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL in limiting receiving yards against tight ends. Additionally, Hockenson has earned five or more catches in only four of his last 10 games played.
Hockenson might get six or more targets but don’t expect him to haul in each one. I’m eying his reception prop of 4.5, and grabbing the under.
Pick: T.J. Hockenson Under 4.5 Receptions (-135)