NFL

Vikings vs. Cardinals Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Sept. 19, 2021

Eytan Shander
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

Score Prediction - Cardinals 34 Vikings 28

Welcome to Kyler Murray’s world, try not to stare too hard as he lights another defense on fire. Arizona opened the season with a crushing defeat of the Titans, making Tennessee look lost on nearly every play. The Vikings lost in OT on the road in Cincy, and probably could have won if a call went their way, it’s not like the Vikings were blown out or embarrassed by any means. This game is about regression, and just how much will we see of it in the young Cardinals team.

For the Vikings, this is more about proving last week was a fluke, and their defense is improved. Both teams went up against quality passers with talent around them, but only Arizona truly dominated their opposition. Staying in a game and hanging on due to circumstance rather than talent isn’t a healthy mix for the Vikings come Sunday.

The expectations that Murray and Deandre Hopkins will take a step back from last week aren’t crazy, I just don’t buy it to the point of a loss. The Vikings boast one of the game’s best WR tandem combined with a more than competent QB in Kirk Cousins. This won’t be easy for the Cards – who made it look easier than easy last week – to get to Cousins or slow down Dalvin Cook. That’s what is so maddening about betting the NFL, trying to get ahead of curves, but also knowing when a great performance is truly difficult to duplicate.

That’s what we have here; where the Vikings will probably be the same team they were last week, able to strike deep while relying heavily on Cook. The true variance comes with Arizona, more so their defense than offense, but everyone is on the hook here. Beating down the best RB is one thing but doing it again to the second-best RB is a huge challenge.

The books reflected that with the spread being so short. This line did open at 2.5 so congrats to everyone who got AZ at home under that key number 3. The big play here is Arizona doesn’t need to cover a rather large line following a blowout win.

The point total has gone UNDER in five straight games played between Dallas and Tampa Bay. (AP)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Best Bets

Arizona -3.5

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Game Odds

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Resources

Matchup: NFC North vs. NFC West
Venue: State Farm Stadium
Location: Glendale, Arizona
TV-Time: FOX - 4:05 p.m. ET

Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Analysis

There’s an interesting trend regarding the O 49.5 and games involving Minnesota. The total has gone over in 8 straight games following a loss for the Vikings, something to note as they scored 24 points last week. Both teams have multiple breakout players with speed, and we already know how dangerous of a matchup Cook is anywhere on the field. Strong shade to the over as both teams will be more than happy to pass.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends

Minnesota has gone OVER the point total in eight straight games after losing the game prior.
Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in eight straight games.
The home team has won seven straight games played between both teams.

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