Vikings Continue Push for a Playoff Spot

Last week’s comeback victory moved Minnesota (5-6 SU, 6-5 ATS) within a game of a wild-card spot in the NFC. The Vikes can square their record at .500 with a win over the Jaguars (1-10, 5-6), who have lost 10 straight. Minnesota opened as a 9.5-point favorite.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The big early line move in this game came on the total, which had been bet up to 52 points by Monday night. Neither the Vikings nor Jaguars have played in a game with a total this high since mid-October.

Jacksonville News & Notes

At 1-10, the Jags are just a game ahead of the Jets for last place in the NFL, but there’s no talk of tanking the rest of the season to get the first overall pick in next year’s draft. 

Jacksonville fired general manager Dave Caldwell after its 10th straight defeat on Sunday, when the Jaguars came within a couple of failed two-point conversions of upsetting the Browns. The 27-25 loss marked the third time in Jacksonville’s last four games that it lost by four points or less, and the Jaguars are 3-1 ATS during that span.

Quarterback Mike Glennon was surprisingly effective in his first start in three years, throwing for 235 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rookie running back James Robinson added a touchdown and 128 yards on the ground, the fourth time in five games that he’s rushed for at least 99 yards.

The defense has also played better of late, allowing 27 points or less in its last four games after giving up 30 or more in its previous six.

Minnesota News & Notes

The Vikings come into action with plenty of momentum from last week’s 28-27 comeback win over the Panthers, improving Minnesota to 4-1 SU since its bye week. Chad Beebe scored the go-ahead touchdown with 46 seconds remaining as Minnesota overcame three lost fumbles, two of which were returned for touchdowns early in the third quarter.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns against Carolina despite being without two of his top weapons, wide receiver Adam Thielen (COVID-19) and tight end Irv Smith Jr. (groin). Star running back Dalvin Cook also left the game with an ankle injury, although he returned later in the contest and finished with 83 all-purpose yards.

Minnesota’s late rally sent the game OVER the total, the seventh straight time Minny has gone OVER at home. The Vikings have allowed at least 30 points in four of their last six games at U.S. Bank Stadium, where they’ve covered just one of their last six games as a favorite.