2024 NFL odds: Back Vikings in pivotal NFC showdown against Lions

We've got 256 games down and 16 to go! 

The NFL regular season ends on Sunday — a season that started with the Chiefs surviving against the Ravens on the opening Thursday night game. 

Usually, the final week of the regular season is filled with chaos and countless different playoff scenarios. This year? Not so much.

The Buccaneers, thanks to inexplicable clock management from the Falcons on Sunday night against the Commanders, simply need a win against a depleted Saints team to secure the NFC South. The Bucs are two-touchdown favorites in that game, so not much drama there. 

The Ravens need a win on Saturday to clinch the AFC North but are the biggest favorites of the year at home against the Browns. Cleveland, by the way, is now on its fourth-string quarterback, Bailey Zappe. 

Six of the seven AFC playoff spots are spoken for. The final bid goes to the Broncos if they can defeat the 15-1 Chiefs. The good news for the Broncos is that Patrick Mahomes and several Kansas City starters will rest for this one, as the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed when they defeated the Steelers on Christmas. 

Ultimately, we aren't getting the usual drama of the final week, but there's still lots up for grabs. And this is the last time until September that we can enjoy watching multiple NFL games at the same time. 

I mentioned the Chiefs securing the AFC No. 1 seed, but in the NFC, the top spot will be on the line in game 272 on Sunday night, as the regular-season finale will decide the NFC North. The winner will also get wild-card weekend off and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. 

Let’s take a look at that game from a betting perspective.  

Vikings (+2.5, 56.6) @ Lions

About a month ago, I suggested betting the Vikings at