In what will be the second of three Christmas Day games on Thursday, the Detroit Lions will do battle with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 17.
The two teams enter this game in much different situations. While the Vikings are already eliminated from playoff contention, the Lions are battling for their postseason lives.
The Lions not only need to win this game against Minnesota, they need the Green Bay Packers to lose on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. If the Lions lose or the Packers win, Detroit will not be going to the playoffs.
The good news for the Lions is the Vikings won't have their starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, for this game. McCarthy suffered a hand injury in Week 16, which means rookie Max Brosmer, who is a downgrade, will get the nod.
Now, a look at who experts are predicting will win the Week 17 contest between these NFC North foes.
Lions vs. Vikings picks, predictions
Vinnie Iyer, AllSportsPeople: Lions 24, Vikings 20
Iyer: "The Lions' running game will be contained again and Jared Goff will see some pressure. But they have enough playmakers to break through on the Vikings defense, while the Vikings' offense lacks the firepower to exploit a beat-up defense with likely Max Brosmer at quarterback again."
Bill Bender, AllSportsPeople: Lions 28, Vikings 17
Bender: "The Lions would be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Vikings. Max Brosmer would get the start if McCarthy cannot play. Detroit is 3-4 S/U on the road this season, but the QB uncertainty in Minnesota is too much. Look for Detroit to keep its hopes alive behind the combination of Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs."
- Stephania Bell: Lions
- Matt Bowen: Lions
- Mike Clay: Lions
- Jeremy Fowler: Lions
- Dan Graziano: Lions
- Kalyn Kahler: Lions
- Pamela Maldonado: Lions
- Eric Moody: Lions
- Jason Reid: Lions
- Lindsey Thiry: Lions
- Seth Wickersham: Lions
- Clare Brennan: Lions
- Mitch Goldich: Lions
- Gilberto Manzano: Lions
- Conor Orr: Lions
- John Pluym: Lions
- Matt Verderame: Lions
- Pete Prisco: Lions
- Jared Dubin: Lions
- Ryan Wilson: Lions
- John Breech: Lions
- Tyler Sullivan: Lions
- Dave Richard: Lions
- Jamey Eisenberg: Lions
Number of experts picking Lions: 26
Number of experts picking Vikings: 0
More NFL News
- Is Amon-Ra St. Brown playing today? Latest injury update on Lions WR
- Lamar Jackson Rumor puts Ravens QB in play for Raiders in 2026
- T.J. Watt injury update is huge news for Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17
- Detroit Lions' playoff hopes could rest on shoulders of backup QB
- Christian Gonzalez's Pro Bowl nod proves costly for the Patriots