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The Janus Report: Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings Free NFL Picks

Written by Steve Janus

eagles-vikings-010409 The Eagles won four of their last 5 games, and got a little help from Tampa Bay and Chicago, to nab the number 6 seed in the NFC playoffs. They’ll face the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome, who needed a last-second field goal against the New York Giants to earn their post season spot. The Eagles are favored by 3 points over the Vikings.

Philly destroyed the Dallas Cowboys in their last game of the regular season, 44-6, sending the Cowboys home and helping to launch the Eagles into tonight’s game. Philadelphia was aided in part by some great play from their defense, who forced 5 turnovers and scored 2 touchdowns. Donovan McNabb had a mistake-free, but underwhelming day with a 12 for 21 performance for 175 yards, though he did toss 2 TDs and run for a third.

The Vikings rallied late in their Week 17 game, notching a 20-19 victory over the Giants with a 50-yard field goal from Ryan Longwell. Tavaris Jackson played well for the Vikes with 239 yards and a touchdown, giving the Vikings some hope for the post-season, as consistent quarterback play has been their biggest struggle throughout the season. Running back Adrian Peterson chipped in with 103 yards on 21 carries, 67 of those yards coming on one touchdown run. There’s no doubt that he’ll be a major factor in the outcome of the game, one way or another.

The Eagles have beaten the Vikings the last 4 times the two teams have met (and covered the spread), though they haven’t played each other since October of 2007. Philly ended the regular season ranked 6th in points per game with 26 and 9th in total yards per game with 350.5. The obvious stars on offense are Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Overall, the Eagles were also very successful on defense, allowing just 18.1 points per game and 274.3 yards per game, both ranking them in the top 5 in the NFL.

The Vikings put together just the 25th best passing game in the league, but their rushing attack, led by the NFL’s leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, ranked 5th in the league. Their 23.7 points per game ranks them 12th overall in the league. Defensively Minnesota had the best rush defense in the NFL and 6th ranked defense in overall yards allowed per game. The Vikings did struggle turning the ball over, however, ending the season with a minus-6 turnover margin.

Both teams finished the season on relatively high notes, but give the edge to the Eagles, who have clearly had a better overall season statistically. The Vikings will get a boost from their home fans, but, in the end, McNabb, Westbrook, and the rest of the Eagles should come out on top.

Take the Philadelphia Eagles -3

Predicted Score: Eagles 24, Vikings 14

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