2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 13

Minnesota Vikings (5-6) at Detroit Lions (0-9-1)

Sunday, December 5, 1PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t out of it yet after a painful Week 12 loss, but they need to turn things around soon if they’re going to enjoy a trip to the postseason. Luckily for them, a matchup with the winless Detroit Lions provides an ideal opportunity to put a notch in the win column.

Then again, it is an NFC North matchup against a Lions team that has had some close calls (including against Minnesota earlier in the season). And as we all know by now, the Vikings aren’t fans of the comfortable victory. Anything can happen if it comes down to the wire.

While that may be the case, I’m still giving this one to the Vikings. Even if Dalvin Cook misses the game, they still have more offensive weapons and a stronger overall defense. That is, assuming they can stop the Detroit ground game — I’m not too worried about them keeping Jared Goff at bay. Then again, anything is possible with this bipolar Minnesota secondary.

The Vikings have the potential to be a postseason force when they play at their best. Unfortunately, injuries and ridiculous inconsistency could keep us from seeing that every play out. For now, though, this game should result in Minnesota’s sixth win of the season.

Prediction: Vikings win 36-24 | Spread: Vikings (-7)