Lions vs. Vikings prediction: NFL SNF Week 18 player props, picks, odds

With injuries left and right, the Lions’ pass defense has been flimsy of late heading into Sunday night’s battle for the No.1 seed in the NFC against the Vikings. Detroit has allowed their opponents to top 300 pass yards in each of their last three games, the longest such active streak in the NFL. On Monday, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy exploded for a season-high 377 passing yards.Two weeks ago, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had one of the best games of his young career, with 334 yards through the air and two touchdown passes. They’ll now face a red-hot Sam Darnold and a Minnesota pass attack that has been humming for weeks in the battle for the NFC North crown. 8:25 p.m.

ET, NBC\Darnold has thrown for more than 230 yards in 11 straight games. During a big 27-25 win over the rival Packers last Sunday, Darnold had a season-high 377 yards with three touchdowns, keeping the Vikings’ shot at the top seed alive.Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has depended on Darnold more and more as the season has gone along. He’s had at least 35 pass attempts over his last three games after going over that number just once in their first 13 contests. Oddsmakers have long adjusted to Darnold’s breakout, pegging his passing total at 273.5 for Sunday’s game that will be played indoors at Ford Field.That’s one of the highest over/unders of Week 18, but I still like Darnold to clear this mark. The play: Sam Darnold Over 273.5 passing yards (-115, BetRivers Sportsbook)Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports.He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA....