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NFL Picks: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars

Written by Brad Marchetti

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one the NFL’s disappointments but can they upset the Vikings playoff hopes at home? The Minnesota Vikings vs. Jacksonville Jaguars match-up will feature a set of talented running backs that will strongly influence the outcome of the game. Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson is torching defenses behind a massive O-line that has put defenses on their heels in recent weeks. The Jaguars have Keg sized RB Maurice Jones Drew having a career year with 11 TD’s. The old man of the bunch is the Jags Fred Taylor who is still a big-play threat at age 33. The NFL betting odds SPREAD for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Jacksonville Jaguars is at Jacksonville -1.5 to 2.5.

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been ineffective because they lack a true pass-rushing threat. Jacksonville has 19.0 sacks but 7.0 of those came against win less Detroit. For the Jags to have any chance of making the playoffs they will need to get pressure on Minnesota QB Gus Frerotte (76.6 passer rating). Frerotte lacks poise when under duress. When Frerotte has time to throw he can pick apart defenses with his experience. The Jaguars have given up a high 93.8 passer rating. Explosive RB Adrian Peterson (6’1” 217 4.30 40-speed) has gained steam in recent weeks with the return of All-Pro LT Bryant McKinnie (6’8” 335). Jaguars DT John Henderson (MCL sprain) could miss this game which would open even more holes for Peterson. The NFL betting odds OVER\UNDER for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Jacksonville Jaguars is at 40.5 to 41.0 points.

The Vikings D-line could have their way with a banged up Jaguars O-line. Jacksonville is 23rd in sacks allowed and Minnesota DE Jared Allen (6’6” 270 4.80) is a terror off the edge. The Jaguars have an excellent 1-2 RB combo with Fred Taylor (6’1” 226 4.35) and Maurice Jones-Drew (5’7” 212 4.40). Jones-Drew and Taylor might find running lanes hard to come by against a Vikings defense allowing only 73.9 yards per game. Another x-factor affecting the Jags will be their weak interior line against All-Pro DT’s Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

The Vikings have yet to win a game outdoors this season as they head to lukewarm Jacksonville. The Vikings have been 4-2 since the return of LT Bryant McKinnie. The Jacksonville Jaguars are 10-5 ATS vs. AFC while Minnesota is 4-10-1 ATS vs. NFC. The Jaguars playoff hopes might have been dashed last week against Tennessee so they might be a little mentally beaten. The Vikings are trying to stay in the NFC North playoff hunt but must rely on aging 15th year QB Gus Frerotte to take them there. For those of you making your NFL picks on the MONEYLINE for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Jacksonville Jaguars is at Jacksonville -125.

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