This week’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) and the St. Louis Rams (4-3) will give the Vikings a chance to extend their three-game winning streak. This game will feature the NFL’s third-leading rusher, Adrian Peterson (633 yards, 3 TDs), and fifth-leading rusher, Todd Gurley (575 yards, 3 TDs). It starts at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov 8 and can be seen on FOX.
Minnesota barely got past the Bears 23-20 last week. Adrian Peterson had a big game on the ground in the win, rushing for 103 yards on 20 carries. Stefon Diggs also had a big game with 95 yards and a TD on six receptions. St. Louis managed to get the win as well, blowing out the 49ers 27-6. Todd Gurley had an outstanding performance on the ground for the Rams, gaining 133 yards and one TD on 20 carries. Tavon Austin also had a big day, contributing 98 yards and a TD on four receptions.
Minnesota is a small two-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is 40 points.
The Vikings enter the game with records of 5-2 Straight Up (SU) and 6-1 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The Vikings are 4-1 SU over their last five matchups, but they’ve managed to put up a 5-0 record ATS. Minnesota has the league’s third-ranked home rushing attack, averaging 148.7 yards per game. The Vikings defense is a tough test at home this season, giving up 13.3 points per game. The Rams may have a difficult time throwing the ball against the Vikings. The Rams average 179.6 passing yards, making them the least effective passing team in the NFL. Minnesota isn’t likely to jeopardize its chances of winning this week with penalties. The team is the least penalized in the league, averaging 5.6 per game.
As for their opponent, the Rams have a record of 4-3 for both ATS and SU. The Rams went 3-2 for both SU and ATS over the last five games. The Vikings may be catching the Rams at the wrong time. They have found their rhythm in the running game, averaging 156.2 rushing yards during the past five games. Switching gears to the St. Louis defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. The secondary of the Rams will be looking to shut down the weak passing attack of the Vikings, which ranks 30th in the league with an average of 194.7 passing yards per game. Pass protection will be essential for the Vikings against the tenacious Rams defense, ranking second in the league in sacks with 3.7 per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – StL, ATS Winner – StL, O/U – Over
Notes
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota’s last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games at home.
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota’s last 10 games when playing St. Louis.
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis.
Both teams are 4-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
The St. Louis passing attack is ranked last in the league, while the Minnesota pass defense is ranked ninth overall. The Vikings’ passing game is ranked just 30th, compared to the 10th-ranked pass defense of the Rams.
