Last Updated on December 20, 2009 5:30 pm by Anthony Rome
Vikings-Panthers Pick
The Minnesota Vikings look to wrap up the NFC North Division crown with a win Sunday night in Charlotte when they take on the Carolina Panthers at 8:20PM ET.
The Vikings beat the Bengals 30-10 as a 6.5-point favorite in Week 14, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 42.5 points. Running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, while Brett Favre threw for 192 yards and a touchdown in the win.
The Panthers lost to the Patriots 20-10 as a 13-point underdog in Week 14, as the combined score fell under the posted total of 43.5 points. Matt Moore threw for 197 yards and a touchdown for Carolina, while receiver Steve Smith hauled in two passes for 83 yards and a score.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Vikings 9-point favorites over the Panthers in Week 15. The over/under total for Sunday night’s game has been set at 43 points.
The Vikings are 4-1-1 against the spread in their last six games and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games on the road. Carolina is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games, but just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games at home.
There’s plenty of reason to back Minnesota in this matchup, considering it needs just one more win to win the NFC North and is playing an opponent that has been knocked out of playoff consideration. That said, there’s a ton of value in a home team getting points in a nationally televised game. Plus, several players on the Panthers (Moore being one example) that are playing for roster spots next year, so Carolina will have plenty of motivation.
The Vikings are averaging close to 30 points per game thanks to Peterson and Favre. But don’t overlook the fact that the Panthers have limited opponents to 192.5 yards per game through the air this season and could easily make the Vikings one dimensional on Sunday night.
Do we think the Panthers will win outright? No, but we love that the Vikings are a public favorite and could push the line close to 10 points come Sunday night. There’s just too much value when a home team is getting over a touchdown in a nationally televised game. Our free pick prediction for this contest is the Panthers +10 and the under, which has covered in four of Minnesota’s last five games when playing Carolina.
Our NFL Week 15 Free Pick for this matchup is: CAROLINA +9 and UNDER 43.
Vikings vs. Panthers Current Odds
329 Minnesota Vikings –9 (-480 moneyline) Over 43
330 Carolina Panthers +9 (+340 moneyline) Under 43
Minnesota is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina’s last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
MINNESOTA
[LB] 12/07/2009 – E.J. Henderson IR ( Leg )
[WR] 12/18/2009 – Percy Harvin "?" Sunday vs. Carolina ( Migraine )
[S] 12/13/2009 – Tyrell Johnson "?" Sunday vs. Carolina ( Concussion )
[CB] 12/13/2009 – Karl Paymah "?" Sunday vs. Carolina ( Knee )
[LB] 12/15/2009 – Erin Henderson expected to miss 4 games ( Suspension )
[DE] 12/19/2009 – Ray Edwards "?" Sunday vs. Carolina ( Back )
[WR] 12/19/2009 – Sidney Rice "?" Sunday vs. Carolina ( Illness )
CAROLINA
[DT] 08/14/2009 – Ma’ake Kemoeatu IR ( Achilles )
[QB] 09/14/2009 – Josh McCown IR ( Knee )
[OG] 08/31/2009 – CJ Davis IR ( Ankle )
[S] 09/01/2009 – Nate Salley IR ( Knee )
[DL] 09/21/2009 – Louis Leonard IR ( Ankle )
[LB] 11/09/2009 – Thomas Davis IR ( Knee )
[OT] 11/17/2009 – Jordan Gross IR ( Leg )
[DT] 12/06/2009 – Tank Tyler IR ( Knee )
[QB] 12/15/2009 – Jake Delhomme is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Finger )
[LB] 11/24/2009 – Landon Johnson IR ( Knee )
[OT] 12/08/2009 – Corvey Irvin IR ( Knee )
[DE] 12/16/2009 – Tyler Brayton is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Concussion )
[OT] 12/16/2009 – Jeff Otah IR ( Knee )
[RB] 12/14/2009 – Jonathan Stewart injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Toe )
[CB] 12/14/2009 – Richard Marshall injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Ankle )
[WR] 12/16/2009 – Muhsin Muhammad "?" Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Knee )
[QB] 12/16/2009 – Matt Moore is expected to start Sunday vs. Minnesota ( None )
[RB] 12/19/2009 – Tyrell Sutton "?" Sunday vs. Minnesota ( Hamstring )
Posted: 12/20/09 5:30PM ET