-(NFL-Network).jpg "Vikings-vs.-Browns-(London)-(NFL-Network)")
The London games have been ripe for blowouts, and if Minnesota is the team more ready to play, this one will be ugly. However, the Browns would love to grab their first win of the season overseas. If Cleveland starts fast it could have a shot, but if the Vikings get ahead this one could be over quickly.
The NFC North is wide open after Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers was lost for possibly the season with a collarbone injury. Minnesota has quarterback injury issues of its own but still has the talent to make a run at the division title and the playoffs. This is the type of game it can’t afford to blow.
Watch this regular season Week 6 matchup live on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. ET at Twickenham Stadium in London, England.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota Vikings -8
Cleveland Browns +8
Over/Under 38
Odds Analysis
The Browns may technically be considered the home team in this game but there isn’t going to be much of an advantage in London. The line is interesting as Minnesota will need to win by more than a touchdown to cover.
The majority of the action figures to come in on the Vikings, and this line is the oddsmakers’ way of trying to even it out on Cleveland. The scoring total is low, which is expected, because both teams struggle to score at times.
Injury Report
Sam Bradford — The Vikings’ starting quarterback is dealing with a troublesome knee injury. He missed a couple games and then came back for a half against the Bears before leaving again. Bradford never looked comfortable in that game and there are reports the injury may be quite serious. Case Keenum has taken the reins. He has never been a great starter but has been solid this season.
Teddy Bridgewater – If Keenum struggles, it’s possible Minnesota could soon have former starter Bridgewater to give the reins to soon. He suffered a horrific knee injury before 2016 started, which forced the Vikings to give up a first-round pick for Bradford. Bridgewater missed all of last season and the first half of this one but has resumed practicing. He likely isn’t ready yet but is an intriguing option down the road.
Joe Thomas -- One of Cleveland’s few stars is left tackle Joe Thomas, who has been a rock for years. However, he suffered a triceps injury that is expected to shelve him for the rest of the season. It is a big blow to a team that is already among the least-talented in the NFL.
Matchup To Watch
The Browns quarterback vs. the Vikings defense – Minnesota has to be licking its chops at this one. The Browns are a mess at quarterback, already cycling through rookie DeShone Kizer, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan under center this year.
Kizer began the year as the starter, got benched, returned to the field and got benched again. He has an NFL-high 11 interceptions and generally looks lost under center. Hogan and Kessler are also young and unproven. Kessler may get the nod in this one after coming in for Kizer in Week 7’s 12-9 loss to the Titans.
The Vikings have a really impressive defense, which includes linebacker Anthony Barr, defensive end Everson Griffen and safety Harrison Smith. If Cleveland falls behind and Kessler is forced to bring the team back by throwing a lot, he is bound to be intercepted once or twice.
The only way Cleveland hangs around is by establishing the ground game and hoping the defense plays well enough to keep this one close.
Free ATS Pick
The London aspect gives this game an unknown quality to it, but the difference in talent level is just too much. The Vikings may not have a great quarterback but Keenum has been average this year. A capable performance in this one will give his team a great chance to win.
The Browns sent don’t have very options at quarterback no matter which way they turn. Cleveland remains in its perpetual rebuilding cycle and its European game will go much like the ones in the United States – a loss to a more talented opponent. Minnesota needs every easy win it can get while pushing for the division title and will be sure to wrap this one up early.
NFL Odds: Vikings 27, Browns 13
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