NFL FOOTBALL BETTING PREDICTION - WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

NFL Football

2007-12-23 - Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings

A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Sunday, December 23, 8:15 p.m. ET
Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Minnesota control their own destiny in making the playoffs as their 8-6 record has them 1 game ahead of New Orleans and Washington as the number 6 seed in the NFC. They also have some chance of making the number 5 seed as they are only 1 game behind the New York Giants and they hold the tie breaker over them.

If the playoffs began today Minnesota would have a tough trip to Seattle whereas the Giants would go to Tampa Bay and I think the Vikings will look to take that place off the Giants. A win here for Minnesota coupled with a New Orleans defeat would put the Giants and Minnesota into the playoffs before the final weekend of the regular season.

Minnesota have a solid 5-2 record at home this season. The Vikings have won their last 4 games at home and have won their last 5 games overall. On Monday night they won a tough encounter with Chicago here to leave them in a solid position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Their running combination of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor has eased the burden on Tavaris Jackson at QB and helped the team reach at least 20 points in each of the last 5 wins. The defense is definately doing their part for the team as they are forcing turnovers and creating pressure by continuing their dominance against the run.

Sidney Rice is a doubt for Minnesota and his loss could be a problem as Jackson seems to have a good understanding with him. Corner Back Antoine Winfield will be a game time decision.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Washington have begun their last chance to make the playoffs. The loss of Shaun Taylor is inspiring his team mates to make a run for the final wild card spot but they need a number of combinations to occur if they wish to fulfil that dream. They are currently at 7-7 and would need to win their remaining 2 games while hoping either New Orleans loses one of their remaining games OR the New York Giants lose both of their remaining games.

The Redskins are 3-4 on the road this season but come into this match after winning last week on the road at the Giants. This is their 2nd straight win since the team attended the funeral of Shaun Taylor.

Washington have held teams to under 20 points in each of their last 4 matches but lost 2 of the games through bad decisions by the QB and the head coach Joe Gibbs. They have kept all their road games close, except at New England, with their biggest defeat coming by 6 points.

Todd Collins continues to fill in for Jason Campbell at QB. Pierson Prioleau will be a game time decision for the coach.

HEAD TO HEAD AND STATS

The teams have split their last 2 meetings with both taking place in the last 3 seasons. Last season the Vikings beat the Redskins 19-16 in Washington.

Minnesota are 7-5-2 ATS, their record being 4-3 at home. Washington are 5-7-2 ATS, with a 3-3-1 record on the road.

Minnesota have won 4 of their last 5 ATS while Washington have won 2 straight.

PREDICTION

This is essentially a playoff game for the Redskins and another tough road game for the team. However they know if they lose that its all over for another year. Minnesota have been playing excellently recently although they struggled on Monday night against Chicago.

I can imagine both teams putting 8 players in the box to stop the run and making the QBs win the game with their arm. In that sense I think the game is too close to call and I would not be too surprised if Washington managed the upset.

In saying that I will play it safe and take the points.

The Pick :