Vikings vs Patriots Odds
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 42.5 -106o / -114u | -142 |
| Patriots Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 42.5 -106o / -114u | +120 |
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the things that we take for granted. I am grateful for family, friends, and the fact that we get to see Kirk Cousins on primetime.
I mean, what’s better than filling your stomach full of turkey and various sides, than getting to watch Cousins play on what is possibly the biggest regular season stage? How sweet it will be.
The Vikings have managed to muster an 8-2 record, which is quite the feat considering they have a negative point differential. This record puts them at the top of the NFC North, with plenty of space between them and the other three teams.
Meanwhile, the Patriots sit at 6-4, putting them right in the middle of a tightly packed AFC East. To this point in the season, the Patriots have relied on their defense to keep them in games. We could expect to see more of the same on Turkey Day.
How will these teams match up? Let’s unbuckle a notch on those belts, grab an extra piece of dessert and find ourselves a pick for this Thanksgiving showdown.
Vikings vs. Patriots Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Vikings and Patriots match up statistically:
Vikings vs. Patriots DVOA Breakdown
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 26 | 18 | |
| Pass DVOA | 26 | 19 | |
| Rush DVOA | 24 | 13 | |
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 19 | 1 | |
| Pass DVOA | 23 | 1 | |
| Rush DVOA | 13 | 12 | |
The Vikings have looked like two different teams on opposite sides of the ball this season.
On offense, this team can score at will at times, and that is due in large part to their personnel. Of course, last week’s three-point performance against the Cowboys was an outlier, considering that the Vikings are scoring an average of 22.9 points per game.
Stud left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been ruled out, which will lead to protection issues for this Vikings offensive line. Darrisaw is Pro Football Focus' third-highest-rated offensive tackle, and his absence will have Bill Belichick’s pass rushers ready to go.
The defensive side of the ball is where Minnesota’s biggest issues lie. The Vikings are one of the least-disciplined defensive units, committing over 550 yards of penalties. Pair this with the fact that the Vikings are allowing nearly six yards per play, and you get a defense that allows plenty of big drives.
New England, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on the momentum it garnered in last week's big divisional win against the Jets.
In order to keep the ball rolling, the Patriots will rely heavily on their defense. Their ability to force turnovers will keep them in this game. If New England's pass rush performs at the same level it has all year, it could be a long day for Cousins and his banged up offensive line.
Betting Picks
When Cousins plays on Sunday afternoons, he is the “Noon Nightmare.”
When the stars are out and the lights are bright, he is the polar opposite.
Over the last three seasons, Cousins has played six primetime games in the regular-season. In those six games, he has thrown eight interceptions.
The Patriots have forced 11 interceptions this season, and their ability to pressure a quarterback is sure to force Cousins into a few undesired throws.
Cousins is sure to throw the ball at some point to a Patriots defensive back, just like how you're going to snag the last roll at dinner.
I'll be betting on an interception from Cousins on Thanksgiving night.
Pick: Kirk Cousins To Throw an Interception +100 | Bet to -120
