The Vikings vs. Lions rivalry heats up with a Week 9 matchup on Sunday. This NFC North battle kicks off at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Lions’ offense is roaring ahead of this divisional bout, averaging 33.6 points over their last six games. They carry a 5-2 record into Week 9 against a Vikings team that has been struggling ever since its franchise QB, J.J. McCarthy, went down with a high-ankle sprain in Week 2.
Below, we’ll take a look at a Vikings vs. Lions prediction and PrizePicks picks in this Week 9 clash.
Vikings vs. Lions Prediction for NFL Week 9
The Vikings head into enemy territory after a 37-10 blowout defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8.
They lost backup QB Carson Wentz to a season-ending shoulder injury but will finally get their day-one starter, McCarthy, back after he missed the last five games. Minnesota wants McCarthy healthy enough to play meaningful snaps and avoid a treacherous three-game losing streak on Sunday.
As for the Lions, after a tough 30-17 loss against Kansas City in Week 7, they got right back on track by downing the injury-plagued Buccaneers 24-9 in Week 8. Detroit QB Jared Goff has this offense rolling — scoring 30.7 PPG (third-most) — and will look to keep things going when the Vikings come to town.
Minnesota Vikings Preview vs. Lions
- McCarthy is confirmed as the starter in Week 9's divisional tilt. This will be his first start since Week 2.
- Without McCarthy, the Vikings scored 24.4 PPG in their last five games. They managed just 7 TDs in their last four games.
- Aside from McCarthy, the Vikings may get some reinforcements back for Week 9. LB Andrew Van Ginkel was back practicing in full, and OL Brian O’Neill was limited in practice, giving both a chance to suit up.
Detroit Lions Preview vs. Vikings
- Lions head coach Dan Campbell is 6-2 against the Vikings during his tenure in Detroit.
- Detroit’s offense, led by Goff, has had immense success against this Minnesota defense, averaging 26.9 PPG in eight games.
- This Lions defense could be getting key contributions back. CB Terrion Arnold was a full participant and CB Avonte Maddox was a limited participant in practice this week.
Vikings vs. Lions Picks for PrizePicks NFL Week 9
Here are the top Vikings vs. Lions Week 9 picks on PrizePicks real-money NFL game, including Lions QB Jared Goff and RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Lions QB Jared Goff vs. Vikings Projection: 17 Fantasy Score
- Goff currently ranks as QB15 in fantasy football, according to FantasyPros, with 17.2 fantasy points per game through seven games. He's completed 152 of 203 passes (74.9%) for 1,631 yards (13th among QBs) with 15 TDs.
- The Lions' QB ranks second in the NFL in True Passer Rating (122.8) and has posted an elite passer rating of 110.9 over his last five games.
- Detroit's offense ranks third in scoring, fifth in yards per play, and is averaging 2.14 passing TDs per game.
- The former California Golden Bear has a career 7-3 record vs. the Vikings with 2,884 yards, 18 TDs, and a passer rating of 105.1.
- Over their last two games, the Vikings' defense has allowed 553 passing yards and a 77% completion percentage, 6 TDs, and 62 combined fantasy points to opposing QBs Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Vikings Projection: 70.5 Rush Yards
- Gibbs currently ranks as RB6 in fantasy football in PPR leagues with 20.0 fantasy points per game. He's carried the ball 104 times for 526 yards with an elite 5.1 yards per carry and 7 total TDs.
- The Lions' speedy RB has been red-hot recently, averaging 86.5 rushing yards per game over his last four contests with 346 yards on 61 carries and 3 TDs. His Week 7 explosion against Tampa Bay produced 136 rushing yards on 17 carries with 2 TDs, earning him 36.8 fantasy points.
- The former Alabama standout is 13th in the league at 14 explosive plays and sixth with 7 breakaway runs.
- Gibbs' most recent performance against Minnesota in January saw him rush for 139 yards on 23 carries and 3 TDs. The Vikings just got obliterated in Week 8, surrendering 207 rushing yards to the Chargers, including 117 yards and a TD to RB Kimani Vidal.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison vs. Lions Projection: 44.5 Rec Yards
- Jordan Addison has 309 receiving yards on 21 receptions (77.3 receiving yards per game) in just four games played this season.
- Over his last three games, the former USC Trojan has averaged 65 receiving yards (195 yards on 17 receptions).
- Against Philadelphia in Week 7, the Vikings' WR exploded for 128 yards on 9 receptions and 12 targets — his highest output of 2025.
- Detroit’s defense has allowed opposing WRs to compile 491 receiving yards with 39 receptions on 69 targets (56.5% catch rate) with 7 TDs over the last three weeks.
Make Vikings vs. Lions NFL Week 9 Picks on PrizePicks
The Vikings vs. Lions Week 9 matchup presents plenty of opportunities to put your NFL knowledge to the test.
Goff and Gibbs aim to keep this Lions offense flowing against a stingy Vikings defense led by coordinator Brian Flores. Meanwhile, the Vikings will be trying to get back on track and come away with the biggest upset on Sunday.
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