SPORTS N STUFF

Detroits sports betting odds are quickly going downhill and its largely due to disciplinary problems as the Lions commit penalties that often take them out of position to make a play. The Lions should be able to harness that on Sunday when an ailing Minnesota team travels to the Motor City.

What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, December 11th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Pick: Detroit Lions

Why Bet On Minnesota Vikings (2-10 SU, 4-6-2 ATS)

The Vikings put up a valiant effort in a 35-32 loss at home to Denver, and they were undone by turnovers (three) and a defense that couldnt seem to stop the Broncos from making big plays. Christian Ponder was 29-of-47 for 381 yards and three touchdowns, but he was picked off twice and one was taken back 16 yards for a touchdown. He hooked up eight times with Percy Harvin for 156 yards and two scores, but Ponder also fumbled once and the rookie will learn. He also got 91 surprising yards from Toby Gerhart and while he isnt Adrian Peterson, that type of production can only help out Ponder, who has been dealing with an injury. The Vikings forced a pair of turnovers and their defense was only on the field for just over 22 minutes, but Denvers Tim Tebow may have had his best career game as a quarterback as he sliced and diced a Minnesota secondary that has been ravaged by injuries this year.

Ponder (hip) wont use his injury as an excuse and hell play on Sunday, but hell probably still be without Peterson (ankle), who says he is only at 70% and with Minnesotas season long over in terms of the postseason, there is no rush to bring him back, but pay attention to the injury report. The Vikings need him as they have to put up points to compete with Detroit, who will target a secondary that has been destroyed with injuries. Detroits Matt Stafford threw for 378 yards in Week 3s 26-20 overtime win; he could approach that number again.

Why Bet On Detroit Lions (7-5 SU, 6-5-1 ATS)

The Lions to fall down the NFL betting ranks after a 31-17 loss in New Orleans on Sunday night, their third in four games. Stafford was 31-of-44 for 408 yards, a touchdown and a pick, but the defense couldnt handle the Saints Drew Brees, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Again, the Lions continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties; this week, they had 11 and that was with Ndamokung Suh out due to a suspension for stomping on a Green Bay Packer. They only gave the Saints one first down, but Detroit cannot continue to commit these penalties and think theyre going to challenge in the NFC, especially in a division with Green Bay and Chicago. They usually make these mistakes when theyre still in the game and its usually a game-changer. It all starts with coaching and head coach Jim Schwartz has to get his team under control because they have too much talent to throw it away like this. He did bench receiver Titus Young for a 15-yard penalty, and Schwartz will have to continue this pattern of discipline.

Suh (suspension) is still on the sidelines and now the league is investigation his car crash in Portland last week, which cant be good news. Running back Kevin Smith (ankle) may go back on the injury report after aggravating his ankle, and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (foot) is also a concern after leaving the game. Fairley was a force before he was injured, and the Lions need him back with Suh still out of action. Fairley is another player that Schwartz has to watch when it comes to discipline, and we cant emphasize this enough: Detroit cant make mistakes to give the other team more chances, or take opportunities away from their offense because of penalties.

How It Will Play Out

This game is off the NFL betting board, presumably until oddsmakers know what Petersons status as some think hell be able to play, but the Vikings will be very cautious with their franchise running back. Either way, the Lions are going to be favored at home over the Vikings, who are 3-2 SU and 2-2-1 ATS in their last five trips to Detroit with four of those five meetings falling under the posted total. This could be a high-scoring affair as both defenses have issues with missing players.

Detroit has to be the play here in a shootout as Minnesotas secondary is just too banged up to hang with the likes of Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. If Detroit can avoid penalties, itll be a rout, but they should still be able to cover the unknown sports betting spread on Sunday.

Vikings Lions Betting Pick: Detroit Lions