After registering wins in each of their first five games, it appeared as though the Detroit Lions were destined to push the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers at the top of the NFC North. But with just two wins in seven games since, the Lions are barely holding on to an NFC Wild Card spot, and will need to find a way to end their skid against the lowly Minnesota Vikings this weekend before they end up on the outside looking in as eight-point favorites according to the pay head bookies.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions – 8

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

If Detroit is going to have any chance at covering such a big number, it will start up front on their defense as they attempt to stop the Vikings’ rushing attack. Even though Minnesota will likely be without Adrian Peterson, the Lions will be missing a key piece of their own with Ndamakong Suh suspended, and they will still have to deal with Toby Gerhart, Detroit is giving up an average of 4.8 yards per carry on the ground, and that number needs to be sliced in half if they are going to control the tempo and eventual outcome of this NFL game. The Lions will also need quarterback Matt Stafford to perform at the highest level, and avoid the costly turnovers that have cost his team at points this season. Detroit needs to win this game, and likely will, but they will have a tough time covering the sports betting spread.

NFL Betting Pick: Minnesota Vikings + 8