When two division rivals play each other for the second time in a season, I usually throw the results of the first game out the window, but I’m writing this pick from a windowless closet, so I can’t do that, which is probably for the best, because I think that first game gives us a small hint of what’s going to happen this time around.
In that first game, the Lions jumped out to a 14-0 lead before doing what you would expect the Lions to do in that situation: Fully imploding and losing. The Lions shot themselves in the foot so many times in that game that you’d think they would’ve have run out of bullets or even feet, but nope, they just kept doing it.
They missed two field goals in the first game, they had two failed fourth downs and Jared Goff threw an interception in the final minute that iced the game. No one is better at giving away games than the Lions and it really felt like they gave away the first game. However, that was the old Lions. Now, the Vikings will be dealing with the new Lions, who are suddenly one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
The new Lions don’t blow games, unless you count the Buffalo loss on Thanksgiving. OK, the new Lions do blow games, but not as often as the old Lions.
The last four games between these two teams have been decided by average 2.5 points per game, so I fully expect things to get crazy once again on Sunday and crazy would be the Lions actually holding on to beat a good team at home. So yes, I’m picking the Lions here, but that’s arguably a good thing for the Vikings since I’ve whiffed on four straight games involving Minnesota. I need this streak to end. Don’t let me down Lions.
I think we might see a shootout here and that’s because we have the the team that’s given up the most points in the NFL this year (Lions) going up against the team that’s surrendering the most passing yards per game (Vikings).
The pick: Lions 34-31 over Vikings