The NFL will feature a tripleheader of games for the Christmas slate on Netflix.
The day will start with an NFC East matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. After that, the Detroit Lions will take on the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, we’ll get the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have lost Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew for the year with torn ACLs.
The slate isn’t as appealing as it looked at the start of the season. The Broncos are 12.5-point favorites, and the other two games are projected to be nearly seven-point differentials. However, there’s still some value to be had.
I’m eying the odds in the Detroit-Minnesota game. Let’s chat about Christmas Day football.
Best Bets for Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs with a 7-8 record. However, they’ve finished the season strongly. Minnesota has won three consecutive games behind J.J. McCarthy, which should give them confidence moving forward into next year.
On the other hand, the Lions’ playoff hopes have dwindled after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week at home. The Lions have lost three of their previous four games to put themselves in this position.
Still, throughout the season, the Lions have been the more consistent team. Detroit has scored 54 more points than the Vikings this season. McCarthy hasn’t played all season, but when healthy, the Vikings have won most games. When McCarthy plays, the Vikings are 5-4.
However, he did have a hand injury last week and didn’t finish the game against the Giants. Max Brosmer finished the game to help the Vikings hold on. If Brosmer starts, the Vikings would be toast. Yet, it sounds like McCarthy will play.
Christmas Odds (Lions -6)
The Lions opened up a 3.5-point favorite on the road against the Vikings. However, despite the loss to the Steelers, the Lions jumped up to a 6-point favorite.
There’s likely some concern about McCarthy. Plus, the Lions are desperate for a win, while the Vikings are already eliminated. Those are two of many reasons why the Lions are streaming upward.
In addition, the total has gone from 48.5 to 44.5, with the under at -115. Bettors don’t trust the Vikings’ offense with McCarthy or Brosmer at this point. After all, the Vikings finished with only 16 points against the Giants and allowed a defensive touchdown, keeping the game close.
Christmas Night PicksÂ
The Minnesota Vikings have not been consistent as a secondary. The team has also missed many tackles relative to other teams this season.
The Lions are super creative on offense and should be able to take advantage of Minnesota’s struggles on defense. The Vikings were excellent against the Giants, but gave up:
- 26 points to the Cowboys
- 26 points to the Seahawks
- 23 points to the Packers
The defense performs against brutal offenses. The Lions are not a bad offense.
Expert Pick: Lions -6 (-110) at BetMGM
Let’s Make Some Cash on Christmas
There’s nothing better than earning some extra cash on Christmas while you chill with your family and celebrate the holidays.
I’ve added a couple of bets you’ll want to consider for the NFL games on Christmas. Consider those if you agree with the analysis. Beyond that, you can look at all of the odds, picks, and props using OddsTrader to find value on the board.
You’ll want to hit the value bets immediately because those types of bets don’t last for long.
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
