Dan Johnson takes you through his preview, prediction, and pick for NFL Week 16’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Santa brings three NFL games to the table on Christmas Day this year. The second of three games is between the Vikings and Lions.
Minnesota is eliminated from postseason contention, but Detroit is desperately trying to sneak into the playoffs. The Lions are 7.5-point favorites on the road and -355 on the moneyline, while the Vikings are +280 on DraftKings Network. The game total is set at over/under 43.5 points.
Here’s a prediction, preview and pick for the Week 17 matchup on Christmas Day.
Vikings vs. Lions prediction, preview
This is a must-win for the Lions, who need some major help to get into the playoffs. Detroit needs to win its final two games, while the Packers lose their final two games. It’s a tough ask, but perhaps there’s a Christmas miracle on deck.
The Lions are 8-7, having lost two straight to the Rams and Steelers. This NFC North matchup is the second time these teams will face each other this season. The Vikings won the first meeting 27-24 in Week 9.
Much has changed since then, notably the play of J.J. McCarthy. After missing his first season due to injury, McCarthy spent more time sidelined in 2025. Even when healthy, he didn’t look sharp, but he’s improved recently.
Minnesota is on a three-game win streak, with McCarthy throwing for five touchdowns and two interceptions in this span. The problem, however, is that he’s injured—again. He won’t play this week, meaning Max Brosmer gets the starting nod.
It’ll be Brosmer’s second start of his career. The first came in Week 13 when he completed 19-of-30 passes for 126 yards and four interceptions. The Vikings lost to the Seahawks 26-0.
The Lions aren’t as fierce of a defense, but that doesn’t mean they won’t take advantage of an inexperienced quarterback. Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense is as good as it gets.
Jared Goff has as many weapons as he could ask for with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Sam LaPorta as the standouts. The team has scored the second most points and tallied the third most yards this season.
While Minnesota’s defense is solid against the pass, it’s weak against the run. With a backfield of Gibbs and Montgomery, this could get messy.
Vikings vs. Lions pick, best bet
Although they’re eliminated, the Vikings have shown some life in the past few weeks. Three straight wins is impressive, but two of those came with McCarthy under center. It’s time for Brosmer’s second start of the season, after the first one was miserable.
Between the Vikings’ quarterback situation and the Lions’ offense, there’s a good chance this game gets out of hand. Sure, Minnesota is playing better, but Detroit needs a victory to keep its postseason chances alive. It’ll be an all-out effort in this game.