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NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers

Written October 25, 2009 by Rock Henderson

Brett Favre seems destined to take the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl in possibly his only year of service to the team. The veteran QB wrote another chapter to their magical story in a come from behind win against Baltimore last Sunday that saw Favre air a deep pass out to Sydney Rice that setup the game winning field goal. Pittsburgh has other things on their mind when Minnesota rolls into town. The defending champs have run off three straight victories after starting the season 1-2 and have reignited a stagnant running attack with second year back Rashard Mendenhall. Minnesota’s 6-0 record is a bit deceiving as they have not faced a real stern road challenge until this weekend. The Vikes are getting 4 points at Heinz Field according to the NFL odds and the total is set at 45.

It is remarkable when a team knows that it is just missing that one piece to make itself into a contender and they finally find that player. Minnesota has always had a dominant running game with Adrian Peterson and a above average defensive unit, but Brett Favre has brought something to the passing game that they have been missing for years. Favre is completing an alarming 70% of his passes and has thrown 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions which is far from the gun slinger mentality he has had over the years. WR Sidney Rice has quickly became his favorite target to throw to. The pro out of South Carolina has caught 23 balls for over 400 yards and two scores. All this would not be possible without the yeomen type work from All Day. Peterson has ripped opposing defenses for over 600 yards and seven scores in his six games. Much of Favre’s success is based on the attention that the former Sooner running back garners. The Vikings D was exposed a bit against Baltimore last Sunday, but up until then they had been extremely strong against the run and susceptible to big plays through the air. This unit has totaled 21 sacks, which is almost an average of four per game, and is plus eight in the turnover differential.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to keep their perfect record at home in tact for the 2009 season. Two losses in their first three games had Steeler fans wondering what happened to their championship squad. They seemed to bounce back at home against San Diego in Week 3 and have taken advantage of a weak schedule to college two more victories coming into this week’s match-up. Big Ben Roethlisberger has taken on a larger role as each year passes by at quarterback for the Steelers and he is throwing the ball more than ever before this season. He has amassed 1887 yards and 10 touchdown passes. The six year pro still makes questionable decisions at times and holds onto the ball for entirely too long in order to make a play downfield. Head coach Mike Tomlin came forward and named Rashard Mendenhall as the starting running back from this point forward, which had to be disappointing for Willie Parker. Pittsburgh has had their issues closing out ball games and the defense welcomed by SS Troy Polamalu with open arms.

This line is off to me as I believe it is a full point above where it should be. Pittsburgh features one of the biggest home field advantages in the league and Minnesota hasn’t faced this type of challenge on the road to date. The Steelers have had trouble closing out teams as even the Browns were in the game until real late in the 4th quarter. Anything above a field goal here green lights the Vikings as the play. Play: Minnesota +4

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