Minnesota Vikings (5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS) vs. Washington Redskins (4-3-1 SU, 5-3 ATS)
NFL Week 10
Date/Time: Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 1:00PM EST
Where: FedEx Field
TV: FOX, DTV: 712
by Chad Holloway, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:MIN +3/WAS -3
Over/Under Total: 42
The Minnesota Vikings, once the leagues last undefeated team, is on freefall having lost three in a row. Still, they have a game up on the Green Bay Packers atop on the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins are quickly falling behind in the NFC East, which wasnt helped two weeks ago when their game against the Cincinnati Bengals ended in a tie. This week, the Vikings will visit the Redskins, who are coming off their Bye Week.
The Vikings woes come on offense, where they are ranked dead last in the NFL. Theyre averaging just 298.8 total yards per game (YPG) and 19.4 points per game (PPG). Their rushing game is ranked 31st in the league averaging 72.6 YPG, while their passing game isnt much better in 27th averaging 226.1 YPG. The troubles have been there all year, and combined with internal politics, ultimately led to offensive coordinator Norv Turners resignation at the beginning of the month. That leaves new OC Pat Shurmur to pick up the pieces.
Whats been winning the Vikings their games is a stellar defense, which holds opponents to an average of 298.9 total YPG (205.8 passing YPG & 93.1 rushing YPG) and 15.8 PPG. Theyre tough, but of course they cant do it on their own. The offense needs to improve and special teams needs to stop making mistakes (last week they botched an extra point and had a field goal blocked), otherwise they might could very well miss out on the postseason.
As for the Redskins, did you know they have the fourth-best offense in the league? Its true. Theyre averaging 410.2 total YPG and 23.2 PPG. Their rushing game is 14th averaging 111.5 YPG, while their passing game is third best in the NFL averaging 298.8 YPG. Defensively, the Redskins are 22nd allowing an average of 369.8 total YPG (246 passing YPG & 123.8 rushing YPG) and 23.6 PPG.
QB Kirk Cousins has the Redskins firing through the air with his receiving corps, which includes Jamison Crowder (40 receptions for 498 yards and 4 touchdowns), DeSean Jackson (30 receptions for 416 yards and a touchdown), Jordan Reed (42 receptions for 415 yards and 3 touchdowns), and Pierre Garcon (36 receptions for 396 yards and a touchdown).
Chad Holloway’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: The Redskins will have trouble against the Vikings defense, but as the game wears on and players tire, I expect theyll be able to move the ball. Cousins and company will keep plugging away until they put some points on the board.
Im not so sure about the Vikings. They have a chance to run the ball against the Redskins, but to do so someone in the rushing game needs to step up. Meanwhile, QB Sam Bradford will need to do his part through the air, which will be tough given CB Josh Norman will be draped over WR Stefon Diggs, the Vikings top WR.
In the last three games, the Vikings have scored 10-10-16 points respectively. I dont see them putting up much more than that this week, and I think theyll lose to the Redskins, who will in turn cover the spread. Id bet the under though as I dont envision this being a high-scoring affair.
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