The Detroit Lions (8-7) are one loss away from elimination from playoff consideration when they head on the road for a Christmas Day matchup with the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) on Thursday.

Minnesota is already out of the playoff field, but with a win would push the Lions to the bottom of the NFC North, where they haven’t finished since 2021.

The Vikings will be without quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who led Minnesota to a win over the Lions earlier this season, giving the Lions a more inexperienced opponent in Max Brosmer under center.

Detroit hasn’t been swept by the Vikings in a season since the 2020 season.

Here are score predictions for Detroit’s road matchup with the Vikings from MLive’s beat writers:

Ben Raven

Detroit keeps its season alive (for at least a couple of days). Much like last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, this is a legitimate chance for the defense to play respectable football for a change. Minnesota is missing its top offensive lineman, J.J. McCarthy is banged up with Max Brosmer looking likely to start at quarterback against the Lions on Christmas. If the Lions can’t stop that offense with those missing pieces, then we might all need to have some serious discussions about their commitment to this scheme and certain styles of players they are stubborn about signing and drafting to fill the gaps.

Note my score prediction, because I don’t think Detroit’s offense is going to have a good time in Minneapolis. The interior offensive line is a major weakness and seems to be somehow getting worse, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to send those cross-dog blitzes to try and beat that group until the wheels fall off. Flores will likely target Jahmyr Gibbs any time he’s left on an island in pass protection, because that’s how they beat these Lions in Week 9. I am expecting an ugly, frustrating day for Detroit’s offense, but have some unexplainable hope in the defense to wake up and stuff an inferior, short-handed offense into a locker.

Prediction: Lions 17, Vikings 16

Kory Woods

I don’t see a world where Max Brosmer puts together a highlight performance and torches the Detroit Lions’ secondary. But I do believe he can be an efficient game manager, with the Vikings leaning heavily on Aaron Jones Sr. to chase an upset. The Lions’ run defense has slipped in recent weeks, with D.J. Reader, Alim McNeill, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes not playing their best football. Minnesota is banged up — Jordan Mason, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Kelly and T.J. Hockenson are all dealing with injuries — but expecting this Lions defense to suddenly capitalize after what it showed against the Steelers doesn’t feel realistic.

On the other side of the ball, it could be a long day for Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The interior offensive line has been a major issue this season, with Goff receiving inconsistent protection that has limited the time needed for more complex route concepts to develop off play-action, which is his bread and butter. The blitz packages Brian Flores is likely to dial up should frustrate this unit from whistle to whistle, much like they did in Week 9. I also don’t have much confidence the Lions will consistently create running lanes for Montgomery, leaving them to lean heavily on Gibbs to be a magician and hope he can make something happen if they get him in space.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Lions 14

Jacob Richman

The Lions didn’t show up against the Steelers and it now has them one negative result from themselves — or positive from the Packers — away from missing the playoffs.

As untrustworthy as the Lions have been for most of this season and the defense particularly was last week, we just saw what ultra-desperation looks like for the offense.

They finally started moving the ball extraordinarily well in the closing minutes and were an unfortunate penalty call away from taking the lead in the final minute.

If that offense shows up from the first snap — even against a very frustrating Minnesota defense — I believe they can take this one and hold their heads up one more time.

Will the win mean anything after Saturday? Probably not. At least the Lions wouldn’t have to face the end of their playoff hopes from out on the field.

Prediction: Lions 21, Vikings 17

Here are some additional predictions from national media for the Lions-Vikings game:

Pick: Lions

“The Lions need this game to have any playoff chance, but it won’t be easy on the road. Minnesota has played outstanding defense. The problem is the Vikings have rookie Max Brosmer playing for the injured J.J. McCarthy. That could be an issue, even against a Lions defense that has struggled. ”

Pick: Lions (majority)

Pick: Lions

“The Lions’ faint playoff hopes would be over with a loss to the Vikings. Jared Goff and company are too proud not to fight until the end.”

Pick: Lions

“The Lions’ running game will be contained again and Jared Goff will see some pressure. But they have enough playmakers to break through on the Vikings defense, while the Vikings’ offense lacks the firepower to exploit a beat-up defense with likely Max Brosmer at quarterback again.”

Pick: Lions (majority)

“Suddenly, the Lions desperately need to pull out a victory. The Vikings are playing more for the future, but Detroit’s main issue is a defense that can’t stop giving up big yardage and point totals.”

Pick: Lions (unanimous)

“Max Brosmer gets his second start for the Vikings. The first one couldn’t have gone worse.”

Pick: Lions (majority)

“The Detroit Lions will look to avenge a surprising Week 9 home loss to the Vikings and keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Also, the Lions will face undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. J.J. McCarthy is out with a hand injury.

Let’s not get cute here. The Lions have a bad defense, but it won’t allow Bromser to move the ball up and down the field. Detroit snaps a two-game skid with a double-digit victory.”

Pick: Lions (unanimous)