The Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals will face off on Sunday in the second week of NFL action. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Vikings-Cardinals prediction and pick.
Minnesota was one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last week. The Vikings looked totally inept on offense against a poor Cincinnati Bengals defense, and their own defense wasn't particularly good either. Starting 0-2 is usually a pretty good indication of what type of year it's going to be, so Minnesota needs to avoid that at all costs.
Unfortunately for the Vikings, they're running into a team that looked incredible in Week 1. The Cardinals absolutely dominated all parts of the game against the Tennessee Titans, and quarterback Kyler Murray looked like one of the league's best players in the process. This should be an entertaining game that's full of fireworks, so let's get into the pick.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Vikings-Cardinals Odds
Minnesota Vikings +3 1/2 (-110)
Arizona Cardinals -3 1/2 (-110)
Over 51 points (-110)
Under 51 points (-110)
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Why The Vikings Could Cover The Spread
Despite their early offensive struggles last week, the Vikings are still one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. Receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson combine to form one of the best duos in the league, and running back Dalvin Cook is easily a top-three running back. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is consistently underrated, and this is the perfect matchup for him to start getting some respect.
Arizona looked fantastic on defense last week, but that shouldn't be the norm for them the rest of the season. The Cardinals were the 22nd-best run defense in football last season, and such a big jump in that category would be nearly unprecedented. Arizona will be a good defense, but there should be regression from Week 1. Look for the Vikings to run the ball efficiently and put the ball in Cousins' hands when necessary. Minnesota should fare well offensively in this one.
Why The Cardinals Could Cover The Spread
If Arizona looks anything like last week, the Vikings will get blown out of the water. Kyler Murray was unstoppable against the Titans, who are only slightly better than Minnesota on defense. The Vikings just allowed 27 points to a Bengals team that isn't exactly one of the league's best, forcing only seven incompletions all game from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati also ran the ball at will, with running back Joe Mixon racking up 127 yards on the ground on 4.4 yards per carry. The Vikings looked horrendous on defense last week , and the Cardinals should be able to drop more than four touchdowns on them in this one.
Minnesota has been weak on the offensive line for years, and that seems to be the case again this season. The Vikings allowed three sacks and eight quarterback hits to the Bengals, a team that isn't great at rushing the passer. Arizona edge rusher Chandler Jones posted five sacks last week, and he should be in the backfield all game against the Vikings. Minnesota may have the weapons to put up points, but the protection will fall apart quickly. Expect the Cardinals to dominate the line of scrimmage throughout this entire game.
Final Vikings-Cardinals Prediction & Pick
It's hard to have much faith in the Vikings here. They just lost to a team that is far below them in terms of talent, but it didn't look like a fluke of a loss. Minnesota was just outplayed and now has to face one of the best performers of Week 1. Take the Cardinals and don't look back. The over is also a decent play here.
FINAL PICK: Arizona Cardinals -3 1/2 (-110)
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