Who can cover the spread on Thursday Night Football when the Washington Redskins take on the Minnesota Vikings? On the surface, you might think the Vikes. Why not? The Redskins stink. Their only win was a result of a failed two-point conversion by the winless Dolphins. They got shut out at home last week by the 49ers. Their offense is as flat as it gets, and they can’t stop the run on defense. But you know what? I’m actually inclined to take the points this week.
On the Surface
Granted, the case against the Redskins makes itself. A big part of that Case is Case, with Case Keenum really struggling to get this Redskins’ offense moving. With 26 combined points in their last four games, it’s hard to locate the silver lining. When aging Adrian Peterson is the star of the offense and second place isn’t even close, it’s not a good sign. The receiver crew is of the no-name variety, led by guys who would struggle to get targets on most decent offenses in the league. And on defense, there is more hope, but it’s still a group that gives up a lot on the ground, having struggled to keep opposing running games in check this season.
But there is a jarring dichotomy that maybe paints too sharp of a contrast between these two teams. In one corner is a home Vikings team, riding high on the crest of three straight wins. They’ve covered 5 of 7 spreads this season and just beat up a pretty good Detroit team on the road. Their pass-game is blowing up, and they have the league’s leading rusher. And they’re going against a team that has covered two spreads, no longer has their head coach, and is coming off the ugliest loss of the week getting blanked at home. These types of mindless slam-dunks win a lot less than some would think. When it seems too easy, it usually is.
Looking Behind the Still
Watching Dalvin Cook this season makes one bristle when projecting what he will do when taking on this dicey Redskins’ run-defense. But the Redskins have one of the more-promising defensive lines in the game, with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. With Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat in the middle, the front seven isn’t that bad. They can make plays. The offense leaves them out to dry a lot, and still, they perform. Against San Fran on Sunday, the offense couldn’t manage a single point, and still, the defense does enough to help Redskins’ backers cash a ticket at the end of the day. Yes, the Vikings’ offense has improved. Seeing Adam Thielen leave with a pulled hammy wasn’t a great sign, and they’re still not an offense that can be relied upon to pounce every single week. Sometimes, they don’t fire, and that can be bad when trying to cover a big number as jumbo-sized favorites. Sure, Kirk Cousins is on fire lately, along with Stefon Diggs, who has put up ridiculous numbers the past two weeks. But maybe the Redskins can dial up a few answers.
- Get more details: Washington at Minnesota NFL Match-up Stats
