Minnesota Vikings (6-6) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
The Minnesota Vikings (6-6) will take on the Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, December 10th at 4:05 PM ET in NFL Week 14 action. This inter-conference matchup features two teams battling for playoff position coming down the home stretch. When considering both teams’ offensive weapons and trends against the spread, there is strong potential for a high-scoring contest that could come down to the wire. Football free picks for this game will need to account for Minnesota’s pass-heavy attack and Las Vegas’s strong ground game.
The Minnesota Vikings boast a top-10 passing offense led by veteran QB Kirk Cousins. His main weapons include breakout rookie WR Jordan Addison and the RB duo of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. They have found success through the air but have struggled on the defensive side at times this season.
The Las Vegas Raiders offer more defensive resistance than their record indicates, with solid play in the secondary and an ability to generate quarterback pressure. Offensively, RB Josh Jacobs headlines a rushing attack that will look to control time of possession.
Minnesota Vikings vs Las Vegas Raiders Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 4:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Allegiant Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Kirk Cousins QB vs. Jimmy Garoppolo QB
Kirk Cousins has been the driving force behind a prolific Minnesota passing attack all season. He is averaging 291 yards per game through the air with an impressive 18:5 TD/INT ratio. Cousins has shown elite accuracy (69.5% completion rate) and decision making within the Vikings scheme. He has developed strong chemistry with breakout rookie WR Jordan Addison, connecting 7 times for scores. Cousins also utilizes dynamic RB Dalvin Cook both as a rusher and receiver to keep defenses guessing. His veteran savvy gives Minnesota a critical edge at the quarterback position. While Cousins does not offer high-end mobility, his quick release and penchant for well-timed play action thrives even against formidable pass rushes.
Jimmy Garoppolo took over Raiders starting duties in Week 7, but has struggled to find a rhythm. His stat line of 7 TDs against 9 INTs is troubling for las vegas as they fight for an AFC playoff berth. A 65.5% completion rate is respectable, but lacking compared to the hyper-efficient Cousins. The Raiders do boast solid weapons in WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs, so Garoppolo’s fortunes could turn. But against the Vikings 10th ranked pass defense that thrives on ill-timed QB mistakes, he faces major upside. Unless Garoppolo improves his decision making, the veteran Cousins maintains a sizeable advantage over his Las Vegas counterpart.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Vikings -120, Total Odds: 40.5
The Vikings are narrow 1-point favorites on the road. With both teams featuring volatile offenses and porous defenses, the over/under total of 40.5 seems appropriate. Based on trends and personnel, this game sets up well for a back-and-forth shootout.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
The Vikings are 6-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last 7 games, indicating they frequently outperform betting expectations. They also play up-tempo offensively, evidenced by 8 of their last 10 contests going under the projected total. When facing the Raiders specifically, Minnesota is just 5-10 straight up but a profitable 5-0 ATS in their past 5 road meetings.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
The Raiders have gone under the total in 8 of their last 10 matchups, owing to middling offensive efficiency. They have lost 5 of their last 7 games straight up but covered in 4 of their past 5 home contests against the Vikings. Their defense has held form recently as well, allowing under the projected total in 6 of 7 games at Allegiant Stadium this season.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Las Vegas Raiders 12/10/23 Betting Picks
As we approach this pivotal Week 14 matchup, the Vikings seem to have a slight edge, primarily due to their better overall performance and positive ATS trend. Their ability to control the game both in the air and on the ground could be the key to overcoming the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. However, the Raiders’ strong home record against the Vikings and their potential for an explosive offense should not be underestimated.
In terms of betting, the Vikings appear to be the safer pick, especially considering their recent form and ATS record. The total going UNDER might be a sensible bet, given the trends for both teams. For those looking at prop bets, focusing on individual player performances, such as rushing or receiving yards, could provide value. As always, bettors should check the top betting sites for the latest odds and information.
