Vikings @ Lions

The 10-2 Minnesota Vikings are an underdog as they head to Detroit to take on the 5-7 Lions. In all my years of handicapping, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a line like this, and I certainly haven’t seen one so polarizing.

While the Lions have been playing tough all season, and the Vikings have been winning almost all their games by one score, — including the Lions visit to US Bank Stadium — a short spread is understandable. However, a short spread in favor of the Lions is ludicrous.

Some colleagues think Detroit is the easy bet and others think this is just a fade spot, but I believe this is a can’t-miss Minnesota play.

Ultimately this game could go either way, and those who cash a winning Detroit ticket will feel like a genius, but I’m a firm believer in not overthinking bets.

We’re unit bettors, so one L won’t ruin us, but I’m taking the points because I’ll feel like an idiot if it cashes and I don’t have money on it.

Minnesota +2 (-110) & Minnesota Over 24.5 Points (-112)

Ravens @ Steelers

Another divisional game with a short spread. The 8-4 Ravens visit Pittsburgh as an underdog to take on 5-7 Steelers.

This is a tough line as the Steelers have won their last four games against the Ravens, and Tyler Huntley will be under center for Baltimore.

However, the Ravens need a win to stay ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Steelers really should be gunning for a better draft pick — not protecting Mike Tomlin’s record.

So while John Harbaugh will undoubtedly have some tricks up his sleeve, the Steelers should be able to grind out another win.

Pittsburgh -2 (-110) &  Under 37 (-110)