Two teams, each holding the best record in the NFC, are competing not only for the No. 1 seed in their conference but also for a division title. The loser of this game will not only miss out on the division crown and a bye week but will also likely have to play every playoff game on the road. On the other hand, the winner will have the advantage of hosting every postseason game.
The two teams in question? The Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. These teams faced each other earlier this season, with the Lions coming out on top, 31-29. A similarly close contest here would cement this matchup as an instant classic, but given the stakes, both teams will go all out.
Here are the predictions from our experts for this critical Week 18 game.
Lions vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favored to beat the Vikings, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats, and more.
- Spread: Lions (-3)
- Moneyline: Lions (-160); Vikings (+135)
- Over/under: 57
NFL Week 18 odds, predictions, and picks
- Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 33, Vikings 28
This will be an exciting game, with a playoff atmosphere given the stakes. I like Detroit at home to secure the No. 1 seed. - Richard Morin: Vikings 28, Lions 26
I’m unsure about this one. It would be intriguing to see the Vikings cap off what has been a surprisingly successful regular season. - Jordan Mendoza: Lions 34, Vikings 31
This will be a classic, determining the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A back-and-forth game, but the Lions will pull it out in the end, just like in their first meeting.
More news….
VIDEO: Ben Johnson’s Priceless Reaction to Lions’ Fake Stumble Touchdown
The Detroit Lions recently released the mic’d up footage from their incredible fake stumble trick play against the Chicago Bears, which continues to be a highlight from their game. Although the play happened nearly a week ago, the team dropped the video on Friday, capturing the sheer excitement of the moment.
To recap, with the Lions leading 27-14 early in the second half, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called a trick play inspired by a 2023 mistake-turned-touchdown from the Packers. On this play, quarterback Jared Goff pretended to stumble while running back Jahmyr Gibbs intentionally fell to the ground. Meanwhile, several players on the field falsely shouted that the team had fumbled, freezing the Bears’ defense long enough for tight end Sam LaPorta to sneak out unnoticed. Goff regained his balance and threw the ball over the defense to a wide-open LaPorta for a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 34-14.
In the mic’d up video, with Taylor Decker wearing the mic, we hear Goff’s play call:
“Hey, this is where we can finish them right here. Stumblebum,” Goff commands in the huddle.
From that point, it’s pure joy. Decker laughs, the Lions’ radio team quickly realizes it’s a trick play, and the sideline erupts in excitement.
However, the most rewarding moment is Johnson’s reaction. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on the next play, Johnson’s reaction shows just how much this play meant to him.
Celebration of the year might go to Ben Johnson 🤣🔥
🎥: @Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/rScQaCGdcn
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) December 28, 2024
Coach Dan Campbell described the play as Johnson’s “baby” after the game, which explains his excitement when it succeeded. Although Johnson downplayed its significance this week, calling the Penei Sewell pass “a little bit more special,” he was likely just being modest.
“Honestly, I think the Penei (Sewell) pass is a little bit more special than that one, personally,” Johnson said. “That one, that’s a play that every team runs, and we just happened to put a little hot sauce on the ball-handling.”
You can watch the full mic’d up video below.
Come for mic'd up Stumblebum, stay for Ben's celly 🥳️ pic.twitter.com/xGBIVObYM9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 28, 2024
