An interesting Week Nine matchup takes place at FedExField when the Washington Commanders (4-4) host the Minnesota Vikings (6-1) for an NFC showdown.
The Vikings have surprised the NFC and football fans after collecting their sixth win of the season last week over the Arizona Cardinals, vaulting themselves to a sizable lead in the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Commanders looked to be waiving the white flag after starting the season with a 1-4 record.
Despite Ron Rivera on the hot seat and Carson Wentz going down with an injury, the Commanders have rattled off three straight victories. Let’s look at the Vikings vs. Commanders best betting predictions because this game should be an entertaining one to watch.
Vikings Win Sixth Game, Hold 3.5 Game Lead in NFC North
The Minnesota Vikings collected their sixth win of the NFL regular season and now hold a 3.5-game lead over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
Minnesota has quietly put together an impressive first-half performance up to this point, taking down the Dolphins, Packers, and Cardinals. They will get another chance to prove they are the real deal when they hit the road to face the Commanders next Sunday.
Up to this point, the Viking offense has been their greatest attribute. Kirk Cousins at the quarterback position gives Kevin O’Connell access to an infinite number of weapons, including Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, and freshly acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson.
NFL player statistics show that the offense continues to put up impressive numbers, including 24.7 points per game.
In Week Eight, the Vikings’ defense intercepted Kyler Murray twice and recovered a fumble as they defeated the Cardinals 34-26.
Minnesota’s defense is slowly but surely getting better, limiting the Cardinals to only 78 net rushing yards and 297 passing yards. Overall, the defensive unit is surrendering 20.6 points per game.
Commanders Limit Mistakes, Win Third Straight
Up until now, the offense has been exceedingly ineffective, scoring just 17.8 points per game on average. Their passing and rushing attacks both rank quite low in the league, but the offensive line has played a significant role in that.
It’s challenging to make plays happen when there is little to no time in the pocket, as the Commanders have allowed the third-most sacks (26) in the NFL up to this point.
There is no denying that this team lacks some quality talent, but they have also proven to be resilient and capable of winning close games.
Their capacity to minimize errors has been a major contributing factor to that. Washington only committed two turnovers in their last three games to extend their winning streak.
The Commanders will look to have another strong defensive week after sacking Sam Ehlinger twice, forcing two fumbles, and only allowing 16 points.
In recent weeks, the Commander’s defense has remained exceptionally strong, and it looks like they will get more reinforcements, with Chase Young potentially returning.
Betting Lines & Odds
The Vikings are favored to win this game by 3.5 points (-110), according to the oddsmakers.
The Vikings are -175 road favorites on the moneyline, while the Commanders are +150 underdogs despite playing at home. This game’s Over/Under has been set at 43.5 points.
Betting Pick
What is in the water in DC? Despite losing their top quarterback and rumors swirling of Ron Rivera’s dismissal after a poor start, all this team has done is win.
The Commanders have their backs up against the wall in a tough NFC East division, but they have found a way to limit mistakes and win ball games. There is nothing flashy about this team, but they continue to grind out the clock and find ways to win.
The Vikings, on the other hand, are having an impressive season of their own; not only are they 6-1 this year, but they have covered the spread in each of their last two contests. They have also gotten better on the offensive side with the addition of tight end threat T.J. Hockenson.
With all of that said, I like the Commanders to cover the spread in this matchup. Washington has the momentum, and the organization has gotten reinvigorated by the quarterback play of Taylor Heinicke.
The Vikings are a bit overrated. In my opinion, they find ways to shoot themselves in the foot and make things closer than they should.
With the Commanders playing at home, they will have the advantage in this matchup. Back Washington.
- Prediction: Washington Commanders +3.5 (-110)
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