After winning their first five games of the season, the Minnesota Vikings have done a complete 180 and now look like they may not win another game. It’s the harsh reality of the NFL. But while the sky is falling in Minneapolis, remember the Vikes are still in first place in the NFC North and that pendulum is about to swing another 180 degrees. The Vikings weren’t as good as their unbeaten record indicated, but they are also not as bad as their current funk. Finding middle ground gets them back on track and a trip to face the Washington Redskins in Week 10 could be just what they need.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 10 game is set for Sunday, November 13, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota Vikings +2.5
Washington Redskins -2.5
Over/Under 41.5
Odds Analysis
If the line holds it will be just the third time this season the Vikings are the underdog. They’ve had success in the previous two games going 2-0 SU and ATS. It’s easy to get down on the Vikes given their recent play, but keep in mind they were 5-0 SU and ATS during the first part of the year and the personnel is basically the same.
Injury Report
Captain Munnerlyn – Minnesota’s pass defense has shown signs of breaking over the past few weeks and things could get worse with Munnerlyn nursing a leg injury. The Vikings allowed Detroit to move into field goal range late in regulation then the Lions converted four third downs on their game-winning overtime touchdown drive.
Trent Williams – Just when they need all hands on deck with the stretch drive coming up, the Redskins lose their best offensive lineman and perhaps finest athlete to a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Ty Nsekhe is a fine reserve lineman, but he’s not Williams. The move has a ripple effect as well. With Nsekhe used as a tight end in certain sets, the Skins no longer have that ability.
Matchup to Watch
It’s not often that a team with a 5-2 record and first place standing has to make adjustments to its coaching staff. But the Vikings are a team desperate for some positive results on the offensive side of the football. In a surprise move, offensive coordinator Norv Turner resigned his post in the middle of last week, and Turner claims it was his decision. The move left the Vikings hanging in the middle of preparation for a game, but Turner felt he was holding the club back from accomplishing what it needed to.
I’m not sure what that means, but Turner was steadfast in his excuse and claims he wasn’t forced out. Dealing with what the Vikings have faced on offense this year, can you blame Turner for bowing out? Some will point to the loss of Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson to injury. Others may call out the injury-ravaged offensive line. But nobody was blaming Turner, which makes the decision even more puzzling. New OC Pat Shurmur had a less than inspiring introduction after just a few days on the job, but the Vikings did a number of things well, including getting everyone involved. Five different players had a rush attempt and 10 had a reception. Shurmur also tossed in a few wrinkles just to keep the defense honest. Minnesota did amass 337 yards of offense against Detroit, which is an outburst for them.
Free ATS Pick
Minnesota simplified its offensive game plan for the Lions and the group had a nice afternoon. The ball was spread around, Sam Bradford was sacked just twice while throwing 40 passes and if not for the misses by Blair Walsh, we wouldn’t be talking about this. Walsh flubbed an extra point which proved costly and had a field goal blocked. The Vikings were that close to closing the deal.
One area that separates the teams is discipline. The Vikings don’t hurt themselves with costly penalties and turnovers while the Redskins can’t get out of their own way. Minnesota still has a top-notch defense and the Redskins will be hard-pressed to dent the scoreboard with regularity. Shurmur’s offense was well balanced and the Vikings didn’t allow the line to be panicked. Bradford is a cool customer and has a keen grasp of what Shurmer runs from their days in Philly. I like the Vikings to get back in the win column with the D providing a big play to turn the tide.
NFL Odds: Vikings 22, Redskins 20
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