Detroit at Minnesota

This game is much ado about nothing and the biggest story may be on the sidelines, as each coach is on the hot seat. The Detroit Lions were considered a serious playoffs contender this season, but once again they underachieved. The Lions made too many mistakes at critical moments of games, and it ended up costing them. Here they face a Minnesota team that has come up short 11 times this season. All you have to do is look at their erratic QB play and the awful defense to find the answers why. The Vikings' stop unit has allowed 20+ points to every opponent and 30 points or more in eight of their games. The Minnesota offense has had QB issues all season. The latest is Matt Cassel's three INTs last week in Cincinnati, and generating just 14 points. The ground game is contingent on the health of Adrian Peterson, who has played in two of the last three games, producing just 58 yards on the ground on 19 carries. I suspect he will probably be a non-factor here. In the end, the Lions are much more talented and I expect that to shine through. They are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 after gaining 350+ yards in their previous game, and have gone 5-1 ATS in their last six within the division. The Vikings are now just 1-7 ATS after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. This game should be quickly played with the clock moving, and has the look of a low-scoring game. The pressure is now off of Detroit as they are out of the playoffs. That could result in loser play that better matches their true talent. This one could be decided by a field goal, so the points are the way to go. Take Detroit take and the UNDER.