Vikings Week 6 bets: Sunday’s game vs the Panthers
After their hard-fought victory against the Lions, the Vikings head to Charlotte to face a Panthers team that is in a similar position as Minnesota.
This game could go in a myriad different ways and very few would be surprising. With the odds presented by Tipico Sportsbook, let’s break down each one.
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The spread: Vikings -2.5
Photo: Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
Why you should bet Minnesota -2.5
The line started at +1 and moved as low as +1.5 for the Vikings on Monday. By the next day, the line had already dropped to -1 in favor of the Vikings. The second it was announced that Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey was out on Sunday, it settled right at -2.5.
So far, the Vikings are a team that plays extremely well in the first half on offense, then struggles in the second half. They look to have mostly everyone back on offense, including RB Dalvin Cook. After head coach Mike Zimmer had the offensive coaching staff do a week of self-scouting, expect the second-half play-calling to be a little more effective.
Why you should bet Carolina +2.5
The Panthers are a very odd 3-2 football team. They looked really good in their first three games, but that was during an incredibly easy part of their 2021 slate. Panthers QB Sam Darnold has been up and down as Carolina’s starter, but Minnesota historically has struggled with mobile quarterbacks. Darnold does a good job maneuvering out of the pocket and is unafraid to run, tallying 62 rushing yards on the young season.
The Panthers are 2-1 against the spread at home this season and their only loss was by three points to the Eagles. With the Vikings’ offensive woes in the second half, the Panthers should be able to capitalize and keep the game close, and possibly win.
The over/under: 45.5
Photo: Douglas DeFelice/USA TODAY Sports
Why you should bet Over 45.5
The over hasn’t been very friendly to both of these teams with their combined record at 3-7. Two trends that do look good when it comes to the over:
1. The over is 13-2-1 in the Vikings’ last 16 games where they have been favored on a Sunday
2. The over is 8-1 in the Panthers’ last nine games when they were an underdog against an NFC team following a loss on a Sunday. Both of these offenses can score — each team has at least 24 points in three of their five games on the season.
Why you should bet under 45.5
Both teams have hit the under quite a bit this season. Carolina has the best record at 4-1 in “unders” — including a 7-3 record in their last ten dating back to last season. Both teams have defenses that can rush the passer and prevent big plays. While the offenses will be the focus for many, the defenses are the key to keeping this game under 45.5.
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