I think the Vikings have a pretty good football team and I would have no problem suggesting the over if they had a real NFL QB on the roster.  They don’t but I’m still suggesting a small play on the over because of the Vikings’ running game and defense.  I like the Vikings to win 9 or 10 games this season.

JAY’S PLAYS
All information is for news matter only
All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars

PRO FOOTBALL — September 16

MINNESOTA (+3) at DETROIT (Total 43) — The Vikings carry quite a streak into this one, having beaten Detroit ten straight times. But the dynamic may be a bit different this time around. True, the presence of talented rookie Adrian Peterson (103 yds. vs. Atlanta) tests a Lion defensive front that wasn’t sufficiently challenged against Oakland in Week 1. But Minnesota is breaking in a quarterback (Tarvaris Jackson) who may not be completely ready for the NFL. That cuts down offensive options. Detroit QB Jon Kitna is going to throw some away (two INT’s last week, 22 last year) but he’s going to make some plays too. In Oakland, Roy Williams and rookie Calvin Johnson caught TD’s, and backup Shaun McDonald gained 90 yards through the air with a score. Like Minny, the Lions can throw more than one running back at its opponents too; Kevin Jones was out last week (and likely here too) but Tatum Bell steps in, with T.J. Duckett in reserve. One has to remember that while the Vikes are double-tough defending against the run, there are holes in the secondary, as the team tied for last in the league in passing yards surrendered in ‘06.

JAY’S PLAY:  DETROIT **

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I would probably keep my money in my pocket.  The Vikings season will all hinge on how well their WRs and QBs play.  That’s because they have an awesome running game on offense and a great defense against the run.  If the Vikings can get a pass rush going they will graduate to being one of the best overall defenses in the NFL.  I think the linemakers are right about this team as they have the feel of a 7 win team.  I would pass on betting the total.

The over/under for Vikings wins is 8.  The Vikings are 45-1 to win the Super Bowl and 18-1 to win the NFC.

I would keep your money in your pocket.  I project the Vikings to be a 8 win team, so one bounce could put you over or under….why take the risk?

Brett Favre has been a horrible dome QB, and the Vikings have just been trouble in general against the Packers….covering nine of the last 11 meetings between the teams.

Take the Vikings on November 12th in Minnesota, and you’ll make enough money to heat the whole house that winter.