Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots Pick – Odds and ATS Predictions

Originally, two teams that fans were picking to meet in the Super Bowl at the beginning of the season, the Minnesota Vikings will be traveling to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots. The Patriots sit on top of the weak AFC East with an 8-3 record, while the Vikings trail the 8-3 Chicago Bears in the NFC North by 1.5 games with a 6-4-1 record. The chips could fall in place for both of these teams to make a run at the Super Bowl with Tom Brady and Kirk Cousins behind center.

Vikings Seeking Back to Back

The Vikings took on their divisional rivals in Week 12 when they defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football 24-17. The passing game was working as usual between Cousins and his two favorite receivers, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Cousins on the night finished with 342 yards and 3 TDs. Adam Thielen continued his spectacular season with another big game reeling in 8 balls for 125 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season totals to 93 catches, 1,138 yards, and 8 TDs. Stefon Diggs also snagged 8 balls against the Packers for 77 yards and a touchdown. With a very versatile offense and dominant pass rush, the Patriots will certainly have their work cut out for them in Week 13.

Patriots Nearing Divisional Title

The Patriots took care of business against the Jets in Week 12, as the two AFC East teams battled it out with the Patriots coming out on top 27-13. New England finally had all their offensive weapons on the field and healthy for once as Rob Gronkowski made his return this week reeling in 3 catches for 56 yards and one touchdown. It was a big game for rookie Sony Michel who ran the ball 21 times for 133 yards and a touchdown. Tom Brady on the day finished with 283 yards, and a couple touchdown passes as the Patriots battle with the Chargers and Chiefs for the best record in the AFC.

Injuries Key Factor

Minnesota could be without their top cornerback Xavier Rhodes after suffering a hamstring injury against the Packers. Rhodes’ leg appeared completely locked up as he was helped off the field on Sunday night. It’s almost impossible to see him suiting up for Week 13, and it is possible he has a pull severe enough to hold him out for the rest of the regular season. Hopefully, that’s not the case as the team will rely heavily on Trae Waynes, Holton Hill, and Mackensie Alexander if Rhodes does miss time. This is a tough break for the Vikings who lost rookie corner Mike Hughes to a torn ACL back in Week 6 placing him on injured reserve.