NFL Odds – Vikings at Panthers

Written December 17, 2009 by Hector Garza

Minnesota (11-2) is a 9 point favorite for their game this Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET according to our NFL odds. They’ll be hitting the road to take on Carolina (5-8) and the total is set for 43 points. Brett Favre is proving himself the ageless wonder as he leads the #2 offense in the NFL with 29.9 ppg. They’ve already clinched a playoff spot in the NFC and will seal their division with one more win. They’ve won five of their last six contests, compared to the Panthers who are streaking in the wrong direction after losing five of their last eight. If you’re interested in betting the NFL, check out the 20% Signup Bonus from BookMaker!

Carolina played New England tough in a 20-10 loss, but managed only 305 yards of offense. That seems to be a recurring theme, as last season the Panthers averaged 25.9 points and 349.7 yards. This year has seen a sharp decline, as the offense is gaining 321 yards and only 16.3 points. It’s not difficult to point out areas of improvement. The unit has the 4th best rushing total in the league with 149.9 ypg, but ranks 28th in passing. On the year the team has found the endzone only nine times in the air while putting up twenty int’s. QB Matt Moore and Jake Delhomme both have more interceptions than td passes, and Moore is likely to get the start again this week with Delhomme injured. The defense, meanwhile, has done a great job with turnovers lately, garnering 21 of them in the last seven games. Last week, however, they gave up 185 yards rushing to the Patriots, and Adrian Peterson will do his best to put up similar numbers by himself.

Head coach Brad Childress and company enjoyed a big win against a tough Cincinnati team. After a lopsided loss to Arizona, the Vikings were quick to respond with a convincing 30-10 win against the Bengals. RB Adrian Peterson banged around for 97 yards and two scores, adding to his team best 1200 yards rushing. Brett Favre did what was required of him, going 17-30 for 192 yards, a score and an int. He’s had a good stable of receivers to throw to, and is enjoying a pro bowl year with 3341 yards passing for 26 td’s and only six int’s. Six different receivers have over 36 receptions. Sidney Rice leads the pack with 1075 yards and five scores on 67 receptions, and has emerged as a legitimate big play threat. With the offense putting up points, the stop unit has been doing their job as well. Cedric Benson only gained 96 yards last week, which means Minnesota added to their league leading streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher, making it 36 games in a row. They rank in the top ten in scoring defense, total yardage and rushing yardage.

To bet with confidence on expert NFL picks, look no further than Betfirms. While the Vikings are in the middle of the league when it comes to passing defense, they’re facing an inexperienced QB and a team that’s struggling in that category. The most intriguing matchup will be the #4 rushing offense against the #4 rushing defense. Carolina must take advantage of home field, as Minnesota’s two losses have both come on the road. Despite that, I see the Vikings powerful offense leading them to a double digit win, and you can check out more NFL picks here.