Pundits Release Urgent Lions Vs. Vikings after TJ Hockenson injury update

Comment: For more coverage of this match on Christmas Day, check out our earlier story details JJ McCarthy’s hand injury

The Detroit Lions visit the Minnesota Vikings today for a Christmas Day matchup with everything on the line. While the 7-8 Vikings are already out of postseason contention, the 8-7 Lions enter this must-win game needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Minnesota’s offense faces a massive setback today as star tight end TJ Hockenson (shoulder) was ruled out against his former team. His absence joins a long list of Vikings sidelined, including leading rusher Jordan Mason and starting quarterback JJ McCarthy. With a depleted backfield, the Vikings will turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer for his second career start, backed up by veteran Aaron Jones.

For the Lions, a loss tonight would officially end their postseason pursuit. Despite the Vikings’ injuries, Detroit must overcome a Minnesota defense that has won three straight games and is eager to play spoiler on the global stage. Significant lineup changes on both sides prompted analysts to immediately reevaluate their game day projections.

The results of these simulations were compared to the bookmaker’s updated odds to compile the data-driven Lions-Vikings game day overview below.

Lions vs. Betting Preview Vikings

Explore the interactive widget below for current spreads, total and money odds and odds for the Lions-Vikings game at US Bank Stadium.

This prediction and best bet for Thursday’s NFL game between the Lions and the Vikings is from Dimers.comreliable source of sports betting predictions.

Check out all the important details on today’s game as well as the best odds from the best bookmakers in the country.

Game details

Key information you need ahead of Lions vs. Vikings NFL.

• Teams: Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
• data: Thursday, December 25, 2025
• Excavations: 4:30 PM EST
• Location: US Bank Stadium
• NFL standings: Current NFL Division Standings
• NFL Injuries: Check out the latest updates on the NFL’s official injury report

Courses

Odds on key markets on Lions-Vikings NFL matchup.

• Spreads: Lions -7.5 (-102), Vikings +7.5 (-115)
• Moneylines: Lions -360, Vikings +310
• Total: Over/Under 43 (-110/-110)

The odds and lines shown in this article are the best available from selected sports betting sites at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Expert Prediction: Lions vs. Vikings

Using advanced data analysis and advanced algorithms, experts at Dimers conducted 10,000 simulations of Thursday’s Lions vs. Vikings matches.

According to Dimers’ independent predictive analytics model, The Lions are more likely to beat the Vikings at US Bank Stadium. This prediction is based on a model that gives the Lions a 77% chance of winning the game.

Furthermore, Dimers predicts that the bookies got it right, with the Lions and Vikings each having a 50% chance of covering the spread, while the 43-point over/under has a 52% chance of going over.

These predictions and probabilities are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.

Best bet Lions vs. Vikings

Our best tip for Lions vs. Vikings Week 17 NFL is up for grabs Lions -7.5 (-102).

This expert betting advice is formulated through detailed modeling and valuable betting insights designed to help you invest smarter.

Score Prediction for Lions vs. Vikings

Dimers Projected Final Score for Thursday’s Detroit vs. Minnesota means the Lions won 25-18.

This expert prediction is based on each team’s average score after 10,000 game simulations and offers insight into the potential outcome.

NFL Player Supporters: Thursday

NFL tips are a popular way to bet on Thursday’s game without necessarily betting on the outcome.

This article contains the most likely first and all-time touchdown scores for the Lions and Vikings, along with projected player statistics.

Detroit Lions

First Touchdown Scorer Predictions

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 17.6% probability
• Amun-Ra St. Brown: 10.5% chance
• David Montgomery: 8.2% probability.

Anytime landing predictions

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 63.0% probability
• Amun-Ra St. Brown: 44.7% probability
• David Montgomery: 37.2% probability

Predicted Box Score Leaders

• QB Passing Yards: Jared Goff244 yards
• Receiving Yards: Amun-Ra St. Brown82 yards
• Rushing yards: Jahmyr Gibbs77 yards

Minnesota Vikings

First Touchdown Scorer Predictions

• Justin Jefferson: 7.2% probability.
• Aaron Jones: 6.7% probability.
• Jordan Addison: 5.6% probability.

Anytime landing predictions

• Justin Jefferson: 30.5% probability
• Aaron Jones: 28.9% probability
• Jordan Addison: 24.8% probability

Predicted Box Score Leaders

• QB Passing Yards: Max Brosmer183 yards
• Receiving Yards: Justin Jefferson64 yards
• Rushing yards: Aaron Jones64 yards

NFL Week 17: Lions vs. Vikings

Get ready for Thursday’s Week 17 action between the Lions and Vikings NFL season at US Bank Stadium, scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM EST. Please note that all NFL best bets and NFL predictions on this page are derived from 10,000 data-driven simulations of Lions vs. Vikings and are accurate at time of publication. They are intended to help you make more informed decisions when placing bets at online bookmakers.

Please note that it is important to practice responsible gambling and consult reputable sources for the latest and most accurate information when betting online.

If you or someone you love has questions or needs to speak with a gambling professional, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.