NFL Betting Preview: Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets

Added on Oct 10, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

The NFL betting week concludes with an already compelling matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets that got a lot more interesting when the Vikings acquired WR Randy Moss. That, combined with the expected return of Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis from injury, adds one of the better personal rivalries in the NFL to an already important game for both teams.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets
October 11, 2010–5:35 PM Pacific

TV network executives and others who concern themselves with ratings were no doubt pleased with the Minnesota Vikings’ acquisition of wide receiver Randy Moss to bolster their receiving corps. It turned an already competitive MNF game into one of the better matchups of the season. It’s an important game for both teams–the Jets are looking to gain sole possession of first place in the AFC East with a victory. They’re currently tied with the New England Patriots at 3-1 (Pats are idle this week). Minnesota is in desperate need of a victory as they stumbled out of the gate with a 1-3 record and have a tough stretch ahead with a home game against Dallas followed by tough road dates at Green Bay and New England. It may be a bit of hyperbole to suggest that the entire season rides on this game but it’s not far from the truth.

The Vikings haven’t fared very well in the series having lost 5 straight both SU and against the spread. That may not be of much significance here, however, as the teams haven’t met since 2006. Minnesota hasn’t been a particularly good underdog in the past three years (5-8 ATS) nor have they been an especially strong investment away from home (8-10 SU/ATS L3 years). And not surprising for a dome team they’ve struggled on natural grass and are currently on a 3-7 SU/ATS run. They have been good off a bye week during that stretch, however, winning three straight going 2-0-1 ATS. They catch the Jets in a potential flat spot with a game at Denver followed by their bye week on deck.

We’ve never bought into the Favre hype, but everything sets up perfectly for a strong effort from the Vikings here. They’ve had an extra week of preparation and should have additional enthusiasm with Moss back in the lineup. Moss is still a first rate receiver, but even more importantly he could add a little bit of swagger and confidence to a team that desperately needs it. Not enough confidence in the Vikings on the road on grass to call for the outright win, but in the big picture its a more significant game for them and getting more than a FG taking the points is the way to bet it.

Bet Minnesota Vikings +4′ over New York Jets