New England Patriots vs. Minnesota Vikings, 12/2/18 Week 13 Predictions

Patriots vs. Vikings Spread Predictions

The New England Patriots don’t look like the same dominant team that they have in years past at this time of year but are they still a good bet to cover the spread against the Minnesota Vikings today at 4:25 p.m. ET?

Game Snapshot

375 Minnesota Vikings at 376 New England Patriots

4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 2

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Patriots are 5-point favorites to beat the Vikings. The total, meanwhile, sits at 49.5 points. As of this writing, 57% of the public betting tickets are on the Patriots to cover the point spread.

Minnesota Vikings

Xavier Rhodes (hamstring) is a game-time decision for Week 13 against the Patriots. Rhodes notably returned to practice on Friday and has built a reputation this season for playing through injury. Even coach Mike Zimmer confirmed that his stud corner "often looks like he's hurt but then he's able to go." Pending being cleared following his pregame workout, Rhodes is expected to run with Josh Gordon throughout the afternoon.

New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski (ankle, back) wasn't listed on the Patriots' final injury report for Week 13 against the Vikings. Gronkowski is about as healthy as he's going to be at this point. The 29-year-old doesn't move like he used to, though he still belongs in all fantasy lineups. He snapped a six-game touchdown drought by scoring in last week's win over the Jets.

NFL Betting Trends

Minnesota

The Vikings are 48-23-1 against the spread in their last 72 games overall and are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games played in the month of December.

New England

The Patriots are 36-15-2 against the spread in their last 53 home games and 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games when facing a team with a winning record.

Prediction

As previously noted, the Patriots don’t look like their dominant selves but with the calendar flipping to December, I won’t be betting against them from here on out. The Vikings are coming off a critical win a week ago against the Packers but Green Bay is in disarray and was banged-up along its offensive line. The Patriots should do a much better job protecting Tom Brady than they did a few weeks ago in Nashville and if they do, then I like the Pats to win by a touchdown. The Vikings’ lone road wins have come against the Jets and the depleted Eagles. I’m fading the Kirk Cousins here.

NFL Week 13 Prediction: New England Patriots -5