Minnesota Vikings (6-6) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders December 10, 2023 – The Minnesota Vikings take on the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday afternoon in an intriguing NFL Week 14 matchup between teams hovering around .500. According to a top USA legal betting website, the Vikings come into this game as narrow favorites. This encounter promises to be a crucial one, as both teams strive to improve their positions in the fiercely competitive league.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders December 10, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 4:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Allegiant Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Kirk Cousins MIN QB vs. Jimmy Garoppolo LV QB
Veteran Kirk Cousins has put together another strong statistical season for the Vikings, compiling 2,331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and just 5 picks while completing 69.5% of his throws. He’s developed excellent chemistry with top wideout Justin Jefferson and has cut back on risky decisions. Cousins should be able to find openings against a Raiders defense ranked 26th against the pass.
Jimmy Garoppolo was acquired midseason to stabilize the Raiders offense, but he’s struggled with efficiency, tossing 7 touchdowns compared to 9 interceptions. While he has talented weapons, Garoppolo’s risk-averse style has capped the offense’s overall ceiling. He could be in for a long day against a fierce Vikings pass rush.
Vikings’ Ground and Air Assault: Charging Through the Defense
Despite losing dynamic runner Dalvin Cook, the Vikings run game hasn’t skipped a beat with backup Alexander Mattison filling in admirably. Mattison is averaging a respectable 3.8 yards per carry with 594 total rushing yards across 12 contests. His physical rushing style should find room against a mediocre Raiders run defense permitting 4.7 yards per carry.
In the passing game, Minnesota boasts one of the NFL’s truly elite wide receivers. Justin Jefferson has already racked up 1,232 receiving yards and is virtually impossible to shut down. With Adam Thielen still a strong secondary threat and tight end T.J. Hockenson giving Cousins a nice middle-of-the-field option, Minnesota has more than enough weapons to give Las Vegas issues in coverage.
Raiders’ Offensive Strategy: Raiders’ Rushing and Receiving Core
Star halfback Josh Jacobs has been the engine of the Las Vegas offense, rumbling for 771 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns with a bruising 3.5 yards per carry average. While Minnesota has defended the run fairly well, Jacobs’ high-volume workload should allow him produce solid numbers. If Las Vegas pulls off the upset, he’ll likely be a major reason why.
In the receiving game, Las Vegas still boasts talent even after dealing away standout Davante Adams. Hunter Renfrow is expected back from injury, while tight end Darren Waller and slot man Keelan Cole offer Garoppolo quality options against a Minnesota pass defense that can be exploited by precise route runners. But Garoppolo will need to make quicker decisions and smarter choices for the Raiders receivers to truly thrive.
NFL Betting Odds: Las Vegas Raiders e +100, Over/Under: 40.5
The current betting odds favor the Vikings slightly, but the Raiders hold a competitive moneyline of +100. The over/under set at 40.5 points suggests an expectation of a moderately scoring game, reflecting both teams’ recent performances and offensive capabilities.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
Minnesota are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota’s last 10 games.
Minnesota are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
Minnesota are 5-10 SU in their last 15 games against Las Vegas.
Vikings are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
Minnesota are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Las Vegas’ last 10 games.
Las Vegas are 5-10 SU in their last 15 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Las Vegas’ last 5 games against Minnesota.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Las Vegas’ last 7 games at home.
Las Vegas are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota.
Las Vegas are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting Picks
Given the trends and performances, the Vikings appear to be the safer bet, especially considering their recent form on the road (5-0 ATS in their last 5 games). However, the Raiders’ home advantage and historical edge over the Vikings cannot be overlooked, making them a potential upset pick. In terms of prop bets and over/under, the trends suggest leaning towards the UNDER, given both teams’ recent scoring patterns.
For football betting websites best picks today, it’s recommended to consider the Vikings for the win, but with a cautious approach given the Raiders’ potential to surprise, especially at home. The game is likely to be closely contested, with defense playing a key role.
Score Predictions: Vikings 20, Raiders 17
