Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 12/25/25, 1:17 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 1/16/26 at 4:47 AM in NFL Picks

The afternoon Christmas Day game between the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) and the Detroit Lions (8-7) will showcase only one team with a slim chance of making the playoffs. Currently, the Lions have just 7% chance of advancing to the postseason, while the Vikings have already been eliminated.

These teams met earlier this season, with the Vikings coming out victorious. The 27-24 win was highlighted by the strong play of JJ McCarthy. However, he is possibly not going to be playing due to a hand injury in this rematch. That could be an issue, as he was playing well over the last 3 games in which the Vikings picked up wins in all 3.

Detroit is coming off a pitiful performance last week. After losing to a strong Rams team a week prior, they played terribly against the Steelers last week and made life extremely difficult for themselves now to get to the playoffs. Over those two losses, the Lions defense has allowed exactly 1,00 yards of total offense and 70 points. If they are going to keep their slim playoff chances alive, they will need to play better on the defensive side of the ball here.

An NFC North matchup with potential playoff implications is always fun this time of year. Will it be the Vikings playing spoiler? Or will the Lions keep their chances alive?