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Vikings Redskins Odds

Two bottom feeders in the NFC collide in Week 16 Saturday when the Minnesota Vikings travel to face the Washington Redskins. These are certainly tough games to predict when both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s a decent chance that one of both of these teams don’t show up, which could lead to a very lopsided result. Minnesota won last year’s meeting over Washington by a final of 17-13. Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart each rushed for touchdowns to lead the way for the Vikings.

According to the latest odds, Washington is a 6.5-point favorite over Minnesota with a total set of 44 points.

Washington

While many close games have not gone the Redskins’ way this season, they have continued to battle. Washington (5-9, 2-5 home) has suffered five losses this season by eight points or less. This team isn’t far from turning the corner under second-year head coach Mike Shanahan, but they must learn to protect their home turf if they want to reach the playoffs in the coming year.

Washington’s road success continued last week with a 23-10 victory over the New York Giants. The Redskins jumped out to a 17-0 lead and never looked back. They put together their most complete game of the season while capping off the season sweep of the Giants. While the offense was held to just 300 total yards, their defense came up huge by intercepting Eli Manning three times. Santana Moss caught a touchdown pass and Darrell Young ran for one to lead the scoring for the Redskins.

The Redskins rank 16th in the league in total offense (329.5 yards/game) and 12th in total defense (332.7 yards/game). Looking at the numbers alone, you could certainly make the argument that this is a better football team than their record would indicate. The problem has been quarterback Rex Grossman, who is completing 58.3 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and a whopping 18 interceptions. He is two picks shy of a career high, and his 71.4 passer rating ranks 29th among qualifying quarterback.

Minnesota

Like Washington, the Vikings have suffered their fair share of close defeats as well. Minnesota (2-12, 1-6 away) lost each of their first four games by seven points or less, which started a trend that they haven’t been able to break this season. Eight of their 12 losses have been by seven points of fewer. I have no doubt that this is one of the best 2-12 teams in the history of the NFL, and it simply just hasn’t been their season.

Insult to injury came last week when the New Orleans Saints went into the Metrodome and came away with a 42-20 victory. The Vikings could not do anything right as this game was an even bigger blowout than the final score would indicate. The Saints outgained the Vikings 573-207 while holding a 36-12 edge in first downs. Drew Brees threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns for New Orleans, while Christian Ponder was limited to 120 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for Minnesota.

Minnesota ranks 18th in total offense (327.5 yards/game) and 24th in total defense (366.0 yards/game). Adrian Peterson returned last week after missing three games with an ankle injury. After rushing for 60 yards on 10 carries against the Saints, Peterson needs just 68 yards for his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Ponder has played well at times for a rookie, completing 54.5 percent of his passes for 1,757 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has also rushed for 199 yards (8.3/carry), giving this offense a little more versatility.

Betting Trends

The Vikings are 5-12-2 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog, but 4-0 AS in their last 4 Saturday games.

The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, but 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite.