Best Lions vs. Vikings Prop Bets: The Return of J.J. McCarthy

• Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hasn’t played since Week 2

• The Lions' defense allowed just one passing touchdown in Week 7

• Only one quarterback has had 236 passing yards or more against the Vikings

In Week 9, the Detroit Lions, coming off a bye, will host the Minnesota Vikings. Coming out of the bye week, the Lions are tied for second in the Super Bowl odds at +700.

Additionally, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is ninth in NFL MVP odds.

Following Week 8, Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. Now, the Vikings will turn back to J.J. McCarthy, who's coming off an ankle injury.

With all that being said, I'll examine the three best props for this matchup.

Best Lions vs. Vikings Prop Bets

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J.J. McCarthy Under 1.5 Passing TDs (-200) at Fanatics Sportsbook

Fresh off his high-ankle sprain, McCarthy will face a Lions defense that isn’t necessarily fantastic against the pass, but they do average one interception per game. 

Where they do excel, though, is against the run. They allow just 87.7 yards per game.

The last time we saw McCarthy, he was hardly a functioning quarterback. He completed 11 of 21 passes (52.4%) for 158 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons. 

Now, on the road against the Lions, who are heavy favorites with a stout run game, this feels like a spot where the Lions can tee off on McCarthy. 

When pressured this season, McCarthy has completed just 50% of his passes with two turnover-worthy plays. 

Going further, the Lions mostly play Cover-1 and Cover-3. Against these coverages this season, McCarthy is 10 of 20 (50%) for 128 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. 

Hard pass on McCarthy until he shows us he can do something as an NFL signal-caller.

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Aaron Jones Under 30.5 Rushing Yards (-105) at Fanatics Sportsbook

As mentioned above, the Lions allow just 87.7 rushing yards per game. However, of that 87.7, running backs make up 65.86, which is the third-lowest mark in the NFL. 

Now, they get to face a Vikings offense with a mediocre and ailing quarterback and a backfield with roughly three options, including Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, and Jones. 

Over the three games in which Jones and Mason have both been active and playing, Mason has seen 58.3% of the running back carries to Jones’ 37.5%. 

Last week, Jones led the way at 45.5%, followed by Mason at 36.4% and Scott at 18.2%. 

That said, let’s be real: Those carries were essentially useless as the Vikings got pummeled 37-10. 

Jones ran five times for 15 yards, and Mason ran four times for three yards. 

I expect Mason to be the go-to guy again, but in a, at best, 50/50 split against a stout run defense, I’ll take the under.

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Jared Goff Under 235.5 Passing Yards (-115) at Fanatics Sportsbook

So far this season, the Vikings are allowing just 204 passing yards (seventh-fewest) per game. Of the quarterbacks they’ve faced thus far, only one has surpassed this line of 235.5. 

As for Goff himself, we know this Lions offense leans more on the run, running the ball 48.82% of the time (third), and thus, Goff has fewer attempts, but a higher completion percentage. 

Through seven games, Goff has had 236 passing yards or more just three times. In Week 7, he barely cleared it with 241 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Additionally, the Vikings play a mix of coverages, but they most often play Cover-2 and Cover-3. 

Against these coverages, Goff has thrown all three of his interceptions. If he throws another, this will be less time on the field for him to accrue passing yards. 

Either way, I don’t think the passing volume will be there or will be needed, and Goff will go under.

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