Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins
Saturday, 12/24/11, 1:00 PM EST, TV: FOX
Opening Point Spread: Washington -5.5
Current Betting Line: Washington -6.5
Opening Total: 43.5
Current Total: 43.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Minnesota will aim to snap a six-game losing streak and has gone ‘over’ the total in five of those contests. The Vikings are coming off a 42-20 defeat against the New Orleans Saints as seven-point home underdogs. A lot of changes may take place during the offseason for a proud franchise that has missed the playoffs for a second straight season. “There’s a lot at stake,” commented Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson. It’s important to note that the worst record in franchise history was 3-13 in a 16-game season, which was set in 1984. Minnesota is 3-1 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.
The Vikings have been absolutely terrible in defending the pass this year, allowing opposing quarterback to register a 110.8 passer rating against them. Minnesota has blown through 11 different defensive backs and could be without cornerback Asher Allen, who suffered a concussion last week. Minnesota will definitely try and control the game on the ground and keep its defensive unit off the field, which starts with getting star running back Adrian Peterson the football. He needs 68 yards in the final two weeks to register his fifth straight 1,000-yard season.
Washington comes off an impressive 23-10 win over the New York Giants as 5.5-point road underdogs and will now be favored for the first time since Week 4. The Redskins will have Rex Grossman under center again and he will look forward to facing a porous secondary that has allowed an average of 271.9 passing yards over the last nine games. “We’ve been feeling the rhythm again once Rex got back out there,” commented Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss. Washington has failed to cover its last six opportunities as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points.
The Redskins are hoping that left offensive tackle Willie Smith can handle Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, who comes in second in the league with 17.5 sacks. Washington will be seeking revenge from last year’s 17-13 loss to Minnesota as one-point home underdogs. Offensively, the team was limited to just 216 yards in that contest, which includes a dismal 29 yards on the ground. Total players will be interested to know that the ‘under’ has cashed in seven of the last 10 meetings.
Bettors will likely back the Vikings due to their 4-0 ATS mark on Saturdays, while the Redskins are 8-22-3 ATS when playing a team with a losing record.
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