NFL picks and predictions, Vikings vs. Lions 2014: Nobody likes the underdog

The Detroit Lions have had a tendency to collapse late in seasons over the past few seasons, and there's certainly an opportunity to do it again this time around. Detroit is in the middle of a two-team race for the NFC North, trailing the Green Bay Packers by a single game. They're also obviously competing with the rest of the NFC for a wild card spot in the event that the Packers don't falter, with teams from the NFC East and NFC West threatening.

On Sunday, the Lions will take on the rival Minnesota Vikings in a game they can't afford to lose. Minnesota is struggling this season, though they've won their past two games and could be looking at playing spoiler here. Detroit is 9-4 on the season, while the Packers lead the division at 10-3. The Vikings aren't in the discussion, but finishing with a winning record is still a possibility as they sit at 6-7.

Detroit has won its last two games, dominant wins over the rival Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They've got this game against Minnesota, a rematch with Chicago and then a showdown with the Packers in Week 17. That game could decide the division, especially given that the Lions already beat the Packers once earlier in the season, in Week 3.

The Lions have also already beaten the Vikings this season, winning their Week 6 game by a score of 17-3. This one should be interesting, as the Vikings still have plenty to fight for, at least when it comes to the development of rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.