Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Commanders (11/6/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Charts
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In week nine in the NFL season, two competitive NFC teams will face off as the Minnesota Vikings head to D.C. to take on the Washington Commanders. The Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the NFL with a 6-1 record and currently hold the No. 2 spot in the NFC if the playoffs started today. They have yet to show many mistakes this year offensively, but prior seasons have shown they are prone for a couple in big games that we have yet to see.
The Commanders got off to a rough 1-4 start this year, but since then have won three straight games to get back to .500 record at 4-4 and are certainly now in striking distance of keeping their team in wild card contention. Since QB Carson Wentz has gotten injured, backup Taylor Heinicke has looked great and has been able to get two straight wins. One in particular, he led a final game-winning drive to win. Can he keep the winning streak going for the Commanders? Let’s get into this game’s picks and predictions:
Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Commanders Betting Odds
The Viking are entering this game as slight favorites at -186 moneyline favorites. They also currently spread line favorites of -3.5 points on the road. The reason its so close is most likely due to the small winning streak that Washington is currently on as they have been able stay competitive against the Packers and Colts for wins. Prior to that, they also held the Bears to just seven points. The Commanders allow just 21.5 points per game while the Vikings average 20.6 points allowed so pretty close from a defensive side.
The over/under line 43.5 points total. With both of these teams averaging around 20 and 21 points allowed they average a combined 42.1 points per game total. The Vikings also average 24.7 points per game while the Commanders average 17.8 for a combined 42.5.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Commanders Picks & Predictions
My Pick: Minnesota Vikings -3.5 (-109)
Despite the recent run the Commanders have been on, I feel it had more to do with the struggles of the Packers and Colts then it did the success of the Commanders. Taylor Heinicke is a good backup but he has not shown that he is a long term answer for an NFL team and I don’t see this team rallying off four wins in a row. I think the Vikings Defense will be able to handle this Commander offense. They were able to hold off a late run by the Cardinals in their last game and I think the Minnesota offense is playing as good as anyone to give them a win by at least a touchdown in this one.
As for the over/under line, I like the over in this game. Both of these teams average right around the point total when you combine their points combined and I think both teams should be able to find the end zone a couple of times.
Betting Trends
- Vikings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 9.
- Commanders are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games in Week 9.
- Under is 5-1 in the Commanders last 6 games overall.
- Over is 10-2 in Vikings last 12 games in November.
- Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these two teams.
Key Injuries
Minnesota Vikings Injuries: Adam Thielen, questionable; Dalvin Tomlinson, questionable; Jonathan Bullard; Irv Smith Jr., IR; Bisi Johnson, IR
Washington Commanders Injuries: Dyami Brown, questionable; Jahan Dotson, questionable; Cole Holcomb, questionable; Cole Turner, questionable; Chase Young, out
Vikings vs Commanders Key Matchup
Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Vikings vs Commanders below.
Kirk Cousins vs. Washington Commanders Defense
The biggest matchup will be Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense against the Washington defense. Kirk has played great so far this year, but he has shown us spurts in the past where he shows inconsistency in play which still puts a lot of question marks. Him and WR Justin Jefferson have been one of the best tandems so far this season with over 750 receiving yards for Jefferson. Jefferson has 2 TDs along with Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, and Irv Smith Jr. showing Cousins ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers. He has 11 passing TDs this year. The addition of TE T.J. Hockensen from the Detroit Lions will certainly add to this high-powered offense. If they can continue playing at a high-level, Washington should not stop their five-game winning streak.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
LWR: Justin Jefferson
SWR: K.J. Osborn
RWR: Adam Thielen
TE: T.J. Hockenson
Washington Commanders Depth Chart
QB: Taylor Heinicke
RB1: Brian Robinson Jr.
RB2: Antonio Gibson
RB3: J.D. McKissic
LWR: Terry McLaurin
SWR: Curtis Samuel
RWR: Jahan Dotson
TE: Logan Thomas
