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New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL Betting Odds & Spread

Written December 25, 2008 by Jason Lowry

Vikings Giants Football

The Minnesota Vikings need either a win this week against the New York Giants or the Bears to lose on the road to the Texans and they are the 2008 NFC North winners. Last week the Vikings blew a chance at clinching the division, as they let the Falcons come into their home and beat them 24-17, but the Giants clinched home field throughout the playoffs last week with their win over the Panthers in overtime, and its hard to imagine Tom Coughlin sending many of his starters out on the field in this one. For those of you looking to do a little NFL betting on the game this weekend, the oddsmakers have the Vikings 6.5 point favorites over the Giants at Bookmaker.com.

Last week it looked like the Giants were going to lose their 3rd straight and watch the No. 1 seed fall out of sight, but a heavy dose of Derrick Ward and the Giants were able to bounce back for a big win at home over the Panthers. Ward might not of scored any touchdowns in the game last week, but he was the reason the Giants won that game, as he carried it 15 times for 215 yards and made big play after big play for an offense that took complete control late in the game. Brandon Jacobs capped off two drives with short touchdown runs, and Eli Manning failed to complete just 10 passes in his way to throwing for 181 yards and a score. With few starters expected to get much playing time if any, its hard to imagine this offense coming out and moving the football with much success against a Vikings defense that is playing for its season.

On the defensive side of things the Giants are likely going to see much of the same with all its big players getting limited action, as this team gears for its attempt at defending its Super Bowl Championship. The only concern going into the playoffs has to be the run defense, as they let DeAngelo Williams run for 4 scores and 108 yards on 24 carries last week, but the Giants were playing with a tired and ill Justin Tuck. We expect the Giants to still keep this one close, as the Vikings offense is far from explosive, but we would be shocked to see the Giants roll out of this one with a victory. Bet New York Giants +6.5 at Bookmaker.com.

The Vikings offense pretty much shot themselves in the foot last week against the Falcons, as they fumbled the ball 7 times and 4 of them wound up going to the other team. Adrian Peterson might of ran for 76 yards, but his ball security is a huge concern going into this week and the playoffs if they make it. Tavaris Jackson stepped in and played another solid game at quarterback throwing for 233 yards and 2 scores, and was also able to scramble his way to 76 yards rushing on 8 attempts. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe continues to be a factor in the passing game, and last week he hauled in 7 catches for 136 yards and both of Jackson’s touchdown throws. Look for a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson this week as its scary to think about what this guy can do against a unit of reserves.

The Vikings defense got off to a rough start last week, as they let they Falcons jump out to an early 17-7 half time lead, but really picked up their game in the 2nd half allowing the Falcons just 7 more points in the 3rd quarter. Even without the starters in play this weekend, we still feel like the Giants are going to be able to run the football, as they have a number of backs that can step in and take over the workload, but with the talent this team has on this side of the ball, if they can’t shut down a Giants team full of backups they don’t deserve to make the playoffs. Bet Minnesota Vikings -6.5 at Bookmaker.com.

Lowry’s Lean on the Game: Vikings -6.5
No question the Giants win this game if it means something to both teams, but the Giants have absolutely nothing to play for in this one, and the Vikings need everything. Even if the Vikings are up big early they will keep pounding it on, as they just can’t take any risks with the Bears looming right behind them in the NFC North.

Predicted Score: Vikings 21 Giants 13

For the expert NFL picks and the latest NFL odds for every game head to Betfirms.

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