The 10-4 Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota for a game with the 7-7 Minnesota Vikings. It is the biggest Lions game in years, and here is everything you need to know.
When and Where Is This Game?
The game takes place at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Form Guide
- Detroit Lions’ last five results: W 31-26 vs. Chicago Bears, L 29-22 vs. Green Bay Packers, W 33-28 vs. New Orleans Saints, L 28-13 vs. Chicago Bears, W 42-17 vs. Denver Broncos.
- Minnesota Vikings’ last five results: W 27-19 vs. New Orleans Saints, L 21-20 vs. Denver Broncos, L 12-10 vs. Chicago Bears, W 3-0 vs. Las Vegas Raiders, L 27-24 vs. Cincinnati Bengals.
Injury Report
The Lions are pretty healthy ahead of this game. Detroit’s injury report is below:
- Jason Cabinda, Fullback, Knee – Out
- CJ Gardner-Johnson, Safety, Pectoral – Out
- Jerry Jacobs, Cornerback, Hamstring – Out
- Brock Wright, Tight End, Hip – Out
- Derrick Barnes, Linebacker, Shoulder – Out
The Lions have also activated tight end Anthony Firkser and kicker Michael Badgley from the practice squad onto the active/inactive list.
The Vikings’ injury report is longer, although several key players are questionable:
- Byron Murphy Jr, Cornerback, Knee – Out
- Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver, Concussion – Out
- Jonathan Bullard, Defensive Tackle, Ankle – Questionable
- Jordan Hicks, Linebacker, Shin – Questionable
- Alexander Mattison, Running Back, Ankle – Questionable
- Ivan Pace Jr, Linebacker, Shoulder – Questionable
- Harrison Phillips, Defensive Tackle, Back – Questionable
- Brian O’Neill, Tackle, Ankle – Questionable
The Vikings have activated Hicks from injured reserve, and he looks likely to start for Minnesota.
Betting Odds
Fanduel Sportsbook has the game like this:
Detroit Lions
SPREAD –3
MONEYLINE -154
TOTAL OÂ 47.5
Minnesota Vikings
SPREAD +3
What They’ve Said
Lions quarterback Jared Goff said the following ahead of this momentous game:
“I think I’ve said this before, but we don’t carry the weight of the last 30 years here, we don’t. It’s the 2023 Lions, and we’re different from last year’s team the year before and 30 years before. So, we’re trying to make our mark this year and have a chance to do it this week. But yeah, it’s been a long season. We’ve had some success, and hopefully, we can get it done.”
Veteran Nick Mullens provided his opinion ahead of this game:
“It’s all about beating the Lions. The playoffs are awesome, but if you don’t win, then the playoffs don’t matter. You’ve got to beat the Lions, and I think the guys are excited about that. We’ve got the Whiteout at home, so much to be excited about. We have a great defense, move the ball on offense, we know we can do it, so now it’s putting it all together [with] an awesome home crowd in the Whiteout game.”
What Is at Stake for the Lions?
For the Lions, the NFC North title is at stake. Detroit knows a win in this game will seal their first division title in 30 years. They control their fate. It does not get any bigger.