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NFL TRENDS

Mon – Oct. 3

NY Giants at Minnesota, 8:30 PM ET
New York: 73-41 UNDER after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3
Minnesota: 11-2 ATS in games played on turf

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Mon – Oct. 3

NY Giants at Minnesota, 8:30 PM ET
New York: 73-41 UNDER after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3
Minnesota: 11-2 ATS in games played on turf

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: N.Y. Giants at Minnesota

When: 8:30 PM ET, Monday, October 3, 2016
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Losing their starting quarterback on the eve of the regular season appeared to be an ominous omen for the Minnesota Vikings, who instead have overcome the adversity and are stamping themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Vikings go for the fourth victory in as many games when they host the New York Giants on Monday night.

Minnesota has been among the league's biggest early-season surprises following a season-ending injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, following a Week 1 win at Tennessee with impressive victories over Green Bay and Carolina. "I don’t know if they’re the best defense in the league but they’re one of them," Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said of a unit that has permitted only 40 points. "They’re a great defense through in and throughout from the back and the front. All the way around, they’re a great team.” New York eked out a pair of narrow victories over Dallas and New Orleans before blowing a 12-point lead in a 29-27 home loss to the Washington Redskins. The mercurial Beckham drew unwanted headlines after the game when Giants coach Ben McAdoo admonished him for not controlling his emotions.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Vikings -5. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-1): Injuries in both the offensive and defensive backfields could present a daunting obstacle for New York, which lost starting running back Rashad Jennings to a thumb injury in Week 2 and backup Shane Vereen possibly for the season with a torn triceps sustained last week. Quarterback Eli Manning, who was picked off twice while throwing for 350 yards last week, has plenty of receiving options at his disposal with Beckham, Victor Cruz and rookie Sterling Shepard, but Vereen robs him of his top pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Jennings did not do much in practice Friday, raising the possibility that Orleans Darkwa and Bobby Rainey will share the bulk of the carries. New York gave up 296 yards through the air last week and is dealing with myriad injuries in the secondary.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (3-0): After stifling Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in its home opener in Week 2, Minnesota opened eyes across the league by dominating Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, snapping their 14-game winning streak at home 22-10. The Vikings took down the reigning NFC champions despite the absence of running back Adrian Peterson, who is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee sustained against the Packers. Quarterback Sam Bradford, who sat out the season opener following his acquisition from Philadelphia, has played superbly in his two starts, throwing for 459 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Minnesota's defense has permitted only 13 points in the second half, helping to overcome 10-point deficits at Tennessee and Carolina.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Minnesota has lost six in a row on Monday Night Football.

2. Darkwa rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries last week.

3. Vikings DE Everson Griffen was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording three sacks against Carolina.

PREDICTION: Giants 23, Vikings 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 4

Monday, October 3

NY Giants @ Minnesota

Game 277-278
October 3, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Giants
131.564
Minnesota
137.489
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 6
36
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 4 1/2
43 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-4 1/2); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Monday, October 3

8:30 PM
NY GIANTS vs. MINNESOTA
NY Giants are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Minnesota
NY Giants are 2-3-2 ATS in their last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Giants

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: New York Giants (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

Date: October 03, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- Nearly a month ago, the Minnesota Vikings lost their starting quarterback and hastily traded for another.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Vikings lost their star running back and a key offensive lineman.

However, Minnesota hasn't lost a game in more than eight months.

Heading into their Monday night matchup with the New York Giants (2-1), the Vikings (3-0) qualify as one of the early surprises in the NFL. They topped the Tennessee Titans before earning surprise wins over the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers despite an unimpressive offense that is now led by a quarterback who didn't arrive in Minnesota until the preseason ended.

For these Vikings, it is not about offense. With running back Adrian Peterson gone and new signal-caller Sam Bradford doing just enough to move the ball, Minnesota is winning thanks to defense and special teams.

Coach Mike Zimmer -- a defensive specialist during his six years as an assistant with the Bengals -- has a defensive unit that heads into the Giants matchup averaging an NFL-best five sacks per game and is tied for second in interceptions.

The Vikings' defensive unit insists it isn't focusing on its own press clippings, instead doing its homework on the Giants and quarterback Eli Manning.

"We've got our hands full," said Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith, who had a 35-yard touchdown return after intercepting Manning in late December when the Vikings won 49-17 -- a Giants loss that all but sealed the fate of since-dismissed former coach Tom Coughlin. "They've got a bunch of very talented receivers that pop out on film, so there's definitely a lot to do this week. Anytime you play a quarterback like that, it challenges you."

Last year, the teams played outdoors on a cold winter night in Minnesota. This year, the Vikings' sparkling new U.S. Bank Stadium is the site, and conditions will be perfect under the glass roof.

The Giants' three-headed tandem of wideouts is sure to test the Minnesota defense on the turf, with rookie Sterling Shepard joining Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. as deep threats. Shepard, a second-round pick from Oklahoma, caught five passes last week, including his second pro touchdown.

While Peterson's absence means that the Giants run defense will get a potential break, there are sudden question marks in the New York backfield as well.

In a 29-27 home loss to the Washington Redskins last Sunday, New York running back Shane Vereen was lost, likely for the season, to a triceps injury. That means the Vikings won't be the only team with a "running back by committee" approach.

The Giants' Orleans Darkwa and the Vikings' Jerick McKinnon aren't the running backs one would normally expect to delight a national TV audience, but both teams will battle with what they have.

"Orleans always runs hard," Giants guard Justin Pugh said. "Even going back to last year, he puts his head down and he's going to get some yards. I'm excited for him to get the opportunity. That's huge, that's something that you dream about, to be the starting running back. He's going to have his chance on 'Monday Night Football.'"

In addition to Manning's two interceptions during the Washington loss, the Giants' other glaring issue was penalties. New York was flagged 11 times for 128 yards, a trend that first-year coach Ben McAdoo knows cannot continue.

"We knew (the referees) were going to throw the flags, and throw them early and often," McAdoo said. "We need to be a more disciplined football team, and we'll get that fixed.

"Yes it's disappointing. We need to be better than that, we are better than that, we need to address it this week, and we're going to fix it."

The Vikings had similar troubles in their only other home game, a 17-14 win over the Packers in Week 2, when they were penalized 13 times for 137 yards. That was an error Zimmer vowed to correct as the season goes along.

For non-division rivals, there is plenty of recent history between the Giants and Vikings. The Monday game will be the 12th regular-season meeting in the past 16 seasons. Perhaps the most famous Vikings-Giants matchup determined the 2001 NFC title, when New York advanced to the Super Bowl via a 41-0 blowout of Minnesota in the Meadowlands.

"They're playing good football," Manning said of the Vikings. "We'll have to see if we can get back on track and play some better football."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Giants, Vikings square off

NFL Week 4 Monday Night Football Betting Preview

New York Giants (2-1 SU; 1-2 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (3-0 SU; 3-0 ATS)

Odds: Minnesota (-5.5); Total set at 43.5

Monday Night Football for Week 4 gives us an interesting matchup between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota will be playing their second game in their new home after christening it with a 17-14 win over Green Bay two weeks ago, and would love to add another win to that record this week.

They've been one of the most surprising teams in the league at 3-0 SU, not because they are undefeated, but because they have remained perfect without QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Adrian Peterson.

They've got quality wins over the Packers and Panthers, and have become darlings of the betting world with a perfect ATS mark as well. Early money on this game has been all over the Vikings, pushing the spread up to its current number after opening at -3.5, but is there a point where teams like this become too overvalued?

When you beat the Packers and the defending NFC champion Panthers in consecutive weeks like the Vikings have, bettors will take notice. Minnesota's defensive front has been ambushing QB's, and making Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton uncomfortable back there led to those Minnesota victories.

Now that front gets to go after Eli Manning and his propensity to turn the ball over and early bettors see a clear edge with Minnesota there. Manning's poor INT's late in last week's game cost the Giants a win and it's tough to put your money on a guy like that next time out.

In fact, the Giants are 31st in the NFL with a -6 turnover differential and a stat like that has almost everyone favoring the opportunistic Vikings defense.

But the Giants have managed to overcome those mistakes to be 2-1 SU, and you could easily argue that they'd be 3-0 SU if you took that last turnover away. It makes for an interesting dynamic in handicapping this game as to what you weigh more heavily.

Clearly the majority of early money sides with Minnesota in that regard, hoping that those short fields gained from possible turnovers turn into quick points. When they played the Giants last year, Minnesota won the turnover battle 3-0 and that turned into a dominant 49-17 blowout win.

Don't think the Giants have forgotten about that game as they were in the midst of a playoff chase at the time. Yes, Minnesota's offense doesn't need to be spectacular when the defense only allows 13.3 points per game, but you've got to wonder if that Vikings offense can put up 24+ if they need to here.

As long as Eli Manning takes care of the ball in this game, the Giants offense should have success and put points on the board.

They are on a 7-3-1 ATS run on the road, and the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games between these two. New York also has the “revenge angle” on their side and could very well put the first wrinkle in Minnesota's Super Bowl plans this season with an outright win.

This line isn't likely to go much higher, and 5.5 points for a banged up, but solid Minnesota team, seems like a bit of an overreaction to what they did in Carolina last week.

Take New York +5.5 points

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week*4 NFL

Giants (2-1) @ Vikings (3-0)— Giants’ three games were decided by total of six points; they beat Saints without scoring offensive TD, then lost 29-27 at home to Redskins LW, blowing 21-9 lead, allowing TD plays of 44-55 yards. Minnesota’s defense/special teams have three TDs, making up for offense (three TDs) that is getting used to new QB Bradford (beat Giants twice LY while with Eagles). Vikings are 9-2 as home favorite under Zimmer; Giants are 4-6-1 in last 11 games as a road underdog- they passed for 690 in two home games last two weeks, should enjoy climate inside dome. Minnesota allowed total of 40 points in three games; they gained only 284-211 yards in last two games, but lead NFL with a +8 turnover margin.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday Night Football Predictions: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings Odds
by Alan Matthews

Remember last year there was a long stretch of "Monday Night Football" games that had terrific endings? It seemed we saw something new and dramatic every week on the ESPN telecast.

This season through three weeks? A total dud so far. Every game has been decided by at least 13 points, which was the score of last Monday's 45-32 win in New Orleans, one of the lowest-rated MNF games ever because it was opposite the presidential candidates' debate. Unfortunately, I backed New Orleans as I thought the winless Saints would play desperate and with extra energy on the 10-year anniversary of the team's first game back Superdome re-opening after Hurricane Katrina. But they are simply pitiful on defense.

The good news is this week's game between the Giants and Vikings in Minnesota's new stadium should be very competitive and could be a playoff preview. I believe at worst the Vikings (3-0) are a wild-card team, and right now they look like the class of the NFC even after losing QB Teddy Bridgewater, running back Adrian Peterson and left tackle Matt Kalil to season-ending injuries. The Vikes are still +120 second-favorites to win the NFC North behind Green Bay (-140).

I still think the Giants (2-1) will win the NFC East even though they are a game behind the surprising Eagles. New York should be unbeaten and could have all but ended defending division champion Washington's season last week. New York is +250 to win the East, behind Philly (+140).

Giants at Vikings Betting Story Lines

New York would have been in really good shape in the East with two division wins already if the Giants hadn't kicked away last week's 29-27 home loss to Washington. I thought that game was over when the G-Men led 21-9 late in the second quarter. But they didn't get to the end zone again. Eli Manning had a chance to drive his team to a game-winning field goal attempt when the Giants got the ball with about 1:45 left in the game, but he threw a terrible ball on the first play and was picked off. New York drove up and down the field all day with 28 first downs and 457 yards but was just 2-for-5 in the red zone, had three turnovers and 11 penalties.

The Giants lost running back Shane Vereen to a likely season-ending triceps injury in the game. He had rushed for 147 yards and a TD and caught eight passes this season. He started vs. Washington because Rashad Jennings was out with a thumb injury. Not clear if he will return Monday. Orleans Darkwa was no doubt a popular pickup in fantasy leagues this week as he could be the featured back if Jennings remains sidelined. New York also lost cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and 2016 first-round pick Eli Apple to injuries. Not looking good for them this week.

How are the Vikings not the betting favorites to win the NFC right now? They already have beaten top contenders Green Bay and Carolina yet are +550, behind Seattle (+450), which has looked really shaky thus far, and Arizona (+500), which has two losses. If there's a better NFC defense than Minnesota's I don't know where that is. The Vikings had three interceptions of Cam Newton and sacked him eight times -- with a safety -- in Sunday's 22-10 domination at Carolina. Minnesota leads the NFL with 15 sacks through three games and with a plus-eight turnover margin.

The Vikings aren't that pretty to watch offensively, but Coach Mike Zimmer simply wants that unit to not make mistakes and it didn't vs. the Panthers. Sam Bradford completed 18 of 28 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown and hasn't been picked off yet. Jerick McKinnon was the primary runner with Peterson out and had 16 carries for 45 yards.

These teams played outdoors at the University of Minnesota in Week 16 last year and the Vikings rolled 49-17 to clinch a playoff spot and set up a winner-take-all game for the NFC North in Week 17 in Green Bay, which the Vikings won. Keep in mind that the Giants had zero motivation to play as they were eliminated from the playoffs the night before. Plus, Odell Beckham Jr. was out suspended.

Giants at Vikings Betting Odds and Trends

Minnesota is a 5-point favorite (-110) with a total of 43.5. On the moneyline, the Vikings are -235 and the Giants +195. On the alternate lines, the Vikings are -5.5 (-105) and -4.5 (-115). New York is 1-2 against the spread (1-0 on road) and 1-2 "over/under" (0-1 on road). Minnesota is 3-0 ATS (1-0 at home) and 1-2 O/U (0-1 at home).

The Giants are 2-5 ATS in their past seven on Monday. The Vikings are 4-0 ATS in their past four vs. teams with a winning record. They are 7-0 ATS in their past seven vs. teams with a winning road record. Minnesota has failed to cover seven straight on Monday. The over is 5-2 in the Giants' past seven overall. The under is 11-1 in the Vikings' past 12 vs. teams with a winning record. The favorite has covered the past four in the series.

Giants at Vikings Betting Prediction

The Vikings have won six consecutive regular-season games for the first time since 2009, and I say they make it seven on Monday even though the Giants are clearly more explosive offensively. But Minnesota's pass-rush could have a field day vs. that New York offensive line. Plus Manning is 2-5 as a starter against the Vikings with only five TDs and 14 picks in those games. Give the points, go under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Monday, Oct. 3

NY GIANTS at MINNESOTA (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
G-Men 2-6-1 vs. line since late 2015. Zimmer 17-3 vs. line since 2015!
Tech Edge: Vikings, based on team trends.

 

[superbeets]

National League Tu 4Oct 19:45

Solihull M

v

Southport

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		21/20	5/2	12/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOLIHULL M	RECENT FORM
ALHLADADHDAW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 2 4 - 1	HLADHLHDAWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Southport have conceded 29 goals in 13 league games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Solihull Motors have recovered from a terrible spell in late August and early September after five straight league defeats to go four matches unbeaten and the hosts can follow Saturday's victory at Maidstone with a victory against Southport. The visitors have had a tough run of fixtures but have conceded 16 times in six road contests.

RECOMMENDATION: Solihull Motors
1


REFEREE: Thomas Bramall STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 4 Essentials
By Tony Mejia

October is upon us, as are bye weeks. The undefeated Eagles and improved Packers are the first two teams to get Sunday off, which means they’ll be in marathon mode going forward until 2017. While an early bye is never desirable, there are some teams that definitely need it more than Philadelphia and Green Bay, who are a combined 7-1 and relatively healthy. Others certainly can’t say the same. Here’s what you need to know before wagering on Week 4:

Monday, Oct. 3

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota: This is a great test for both teams, who would each be undefeated if Manning hadn’t been so careless in the second half against Washington. Few teams have more weapons than the Giants, but the Vikings have shut down Mariota, Aaron Rodgers and Newton, surrendering an average of 13.3 points per game while putting a fierce, attacking defense on display. Surviving the loss of Adrian Peterson will be a week-to-week ordeal, but they should be ok here considering Sam Bradford knows the Giants well and Minnesota should benefit from a tremendous homefield advantage at the new U.S. Bank Stadium. New York has lost its last three games in Minneapolis and has surrendered over 40 points in each of the last two setbacks. That has to be disconcerting for the Giants considering they enter this game with depth issues in the secondary due to injuries.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Week 4
By MONTY ANDREWS

Each week, Monty Andrews breaks down some of the underlying mismatches in the NFL, giving you an inside edge when handicapping the schedule and setting your daily fantasy lineup.

New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings (-4.5, 43.5)

Giants' red-zone defense vs. Vikings' goal-to-go struggles

Much of the focus in this one will be on the Vikings' vaunted defense, which has risen to unexpectedly high levels after pummeling Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in last week's 22-10 victory. Minnesota caught the Panthers completely by surprise by employing a pass-prevention nickel defense on a whopping 75 percent of their defensive snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. Look for Minnesota to use a similar tactic against the Giants' bevy of receiving options.

Yet, while the Vikings' defense has to be considered among the best in the league through three weeks, Minnesota's offensive efficiency is a different story - particularly when it comes to red-zone work. The Vikings have converted a paltry 28.6 percent of their red-zone visits into touchdowns, which is the third-worst mark in the league ahead of only the Washington Redskins and the Houston Texans. It's nothing new for Minnesota, which ranked 27th in red-zone TD rate a season ago.

That bodes poorly for the Vikings, who face a Giants unit that has surrendered touchdowns on just 25 percent of its opponents' red-zone visits. Only the Kansas City Chiefs have been stingier through three weeks. New York spent a pile of money to bolster its defense in the offseason, and that investment appears to be paying off - at least in some measure. Look for the Vikings to struggle in the red zone, and adjust your projections accordingly.

Daily fantasy watch: Giants D/ST

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Total Talk - Week 4
By Chris David

Week 3 Recap

The ‘over’ posted a 9-7 record last weekend and most of the results were never in doubt. Atlanta, Washington and Denver have all seen the ‘over’ go 3-0 in their first three games while Houston is the only team to watch the the ‘under’ cash in all of its games. Through three weeks, the ‘over’ holds a slight edge at 25-22-1

Under the Lights

After watching the ‘over’ cash last Sunday and Monday night, the Bengals and Dolphins easily went ‘under’ (46 ½) their closing number this past Thursday. Including those results, bettors have seen the total go 5-5-1 through 11 primetime games.


N.Y. Giants at Minnesota: The Giants and Vikings have both seen the ‘under’ cash in two of their first three games and Minnesota could easily be 3-0 if its defense didn’t score twice in Week 1. The Vikings were a great ‘under’ team last season (12-4-1) and that trend has continued. The offense plays very slow, averaging 57.3 plays per game (ranked 29th) and their defense (295 YPG, 13.3 PPG) is ranked in the Top 5 in both yards and points. New York isn’t clicking on offense (21 PPG) right now and it’s TD-FG (6-5) ratio isn’t a good sign for ‘over’ bettors. These teams played outdoors in Minnesota last season and the Vikings routed the Giants 49-17 as the ‘over’ (45) easily cashed.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Monday Night Football'

No Teddy, No Peterson, No problem. The Minnesota Vikings arguably one of the best defensive teams in the league under coach Mike Zimmer allowing 13.3 points/game put a 3-0 SU/ATS streak on the line when they host New York Giants.

Not difficult making a case for Vikings. Zimmer's squad has held opponents to a lowly 19.6 points/game since his arrival in 2014 and enter a money making 8-0 against the betting line last eight on the field, 17-2 ATS the past nineteen games allowing just 17.5 points/game.

Vikings are handing Giants 4.5 points of offense and if history has anything to say, Boat-Men cash another ticket. Vikings are 8-2 ATS as home chalk of 4.5 or less, have a 12-2 ATS stretch vs the conference, 7-0 ATS streak at home hosting an NFC East opponent. Additionally, Giants are not a peg to hang your hopes on in the situation they find themselve Monday Night. G-Men are 3-6-3 ATS on the road vs an NFC opponent, 2-8-1 ATS away as small pups of +4.5 or less, 0-4 ATS as Monday Night underdogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MNF - Giants at Vikings
By Kevin Rogers

The Vikings are the only 3-0 squad left in the NFL as the Giants invade U.S. Bank Stadium to close out Week 4. Minnesota has won each of the past two weeks as an underdog against NFC playoff teams from last season, as the Vikings are seeking their first 4-0 start since 2009. Meanwhile, New York looks to rebound after melting down in the second half of a home defeat to Washington in Week 3.

LAST WEEK

The Giants stormed out to a 2-0 start with a pair of victories by a combined four points against the Cowboys and Saints. However, New York couldn’t hold onto a 21-9 lead in last Sunday’s 29-27 home defeat to Washington as 3 ½-point home favorites. Eli Manning put up 350 yards through the air for New York, but the Giants’ quarterback was intercepted twice, including getting picked off in the final minutes of regulation. Odell Beckham, Jr. recorded his first 100-yard receiving game of the season, posting 121 yards on seven catches, but the Giants’ wideout has yet to score a touchdown in 2016.

Minnesota keeps rolling in spite of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson sidelined. The Vikings capitalized off a Week 2 home underdog victory over the Packers to knock off the Panthers last Sunday. Minnesota cashed outright as six-point underdogs in a 22-10 triumph at Carolina, as the defense held the defending NFC champions scoreless in the final three quarters. The Vikings barely busted the 200-yard mark offensively, but received another non-offensive touchdown thanks to a 54-yard punt return for a score by Marcus Sherels.

HOME COOKING

The Vikings are playing their second game at brand new U.S. Bank Stadium, but Minnesota has fared well at home since the start of 2015. Minnesota posted a 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS record last season, while going 10-3 SU/ATS since November 2014 at home. The defense has been terrific in this stretch for the Vikings, limiting nine of the last 11 opponents to 18 points or less, while the UNDER has cashed eight times.

REVENGE MODE

The Giants were embarrassed the last time they faced the Vikings in December 2015, falling 49-17 as seven-point underdogs. Minnesota picked off Manning three times, while Beckham sat out due to a one-game suspension. Peterson rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, as the Vikings relied on kicker Blair Walsh to connect on five field goals. The Giants have lost each of their past three road meetings with the Vikings since 2008, but New York did knock off Minnesota in a neutral site affair in 2010 when a snowstorm destroyed the room of the Metrodome.

MONDAY STRUGGLES

New York has had a case of the Mondays the last five seasons, putting together a 3-5 SU/ATS record since 2011 under the Monday night lights. In 2015, the Giants split a pair of Monday contests, but they were throttled as a road underdog at Philadelphia last October, 27-7. The Vikings haven’t been much better on Mondays, losing five straight since December 2009, including a 20-3 drubbing at San Francisco in last season’s opener.

HANDICAPPER’S CORNER

Joe Nelson points out Minnesota’s incredible success under their third year head coach, “Mike Zimmer probably has NFL Coach of the Year locked up already given the hurdles the team faced with the revolving quarterbacks and the loss of the team’s most notable player in Adrian Peterson. Since taking over in 2014, Zimmer’s Vikings are 27-9 ATS and you can add an 11-2 ATS mark in the preseason for the Vikings under Zimmer for an over 77 percent proposition supporting this team since the start of the 2014 season.”

New York will step up against a defensive foe as Nelson highlights the inferior defenses that “Big Blue” has faced, “The Giants have played three down-to-the-wire games this season to sit at 2-1, but they have faced defenses that rank 25th, 30th, and 31st in yards per play. This will be a big step up in class for an offense that produces yards but not always points with the Vikings rating as the best defense in the NFL in many categories at this point.”

PROPS -

NEW YORK

Eli Manning Attempts 45 or More Passes 7/2
Eli Manning Over 2.5 Interceptions Thrown 5/1
Eli Manning Over 325 Passing Yards 2/1
Eli Manning Throws 28 or More Pass Completions 3/2
Eli Manning to Throw 3 or More TD Passes 2/1

Odell Beckham Over 125 Receiving Yards 9/4
Odell Beckham Over 150 Receiving Yards 6/1
Odell Beckham to Record 8 or More Receptions 5/4

MINNESOTA

Sam Bradford Attempts 45 or More Passes 7/1
Sam Bradford Over 1.5 Interceptions Thrown 2/1
Sam Bradford Over 300 Passing Yards 2/1
Sam Bradford Throws 25 or More Pass Completions 5/4
Sam Bradford to Throw 3 or More TD Passes 4/1

Stefan Diggs Over 100 Receiving Yards 7/4
Stefan Diggs to Record 7 or More Receptions 6/5

FUTURES

Minnesota began the season at 20/1 odds to win Super Bowl LI at the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. However, that number has dipped to 10/1 following the 3-0 start. The Giants started the campaign at 40/1 odds, as the 2-1 start has helped improved those numbers down to 30/1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday Night Football NFL betting preview: Giants at Vikings

New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings (-4, 43)

Losing their starting quarterback on the eve of the regular season appeared to be an ominous omen for the Minnesota Vikings, who instead have overcome the adversity and are stamping themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Vikings go for the fourth victory in as many games when they host the New York Giants on Monday night.

Minnesota has been among the league's biggest early-season surprises following a season-ending injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, following a Week 1 win at Tennessee with impressive victories over Green Bay and Carolina. "I don’t know if they’re the best defense in the league but they’re one of them," Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said of a unit that has permitted only 40 points. "They’re a great defense through in and throughout from the back and the front. All the way around, they’re a great team.” New York eked out a pair of narrow victories over Dallas and New Orleans before blowing a 12-point lead in a 29-27 home loss to the Washington Redskins. The mercurial Beckham drew unwanted headlines after the game when Giants coach Ben McAdoo admonished him for not controlling his emotions.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: The Vikings opened the betting week as 3.5-point home favorites for this Monday night matchup with the New York Giants. The Vikings' spread quickly went up early in the week - peaking at -5 on Thursday and Friday - but money has come in on the Giants and the line is currently (Sunday evening) at -4.

The total opened at 43.5 and dropped by 1/2 point during the week to hit the current number of 43.

POWER RANKINGS: Giants (+0.5) - Vikings (-3) + home field (-3) = Vikings -5.5

INJURY REPORT:

Giants - DE O. Vernon (Prob Mon, wrist), CB E. Apple (Doub Mon, hamstring), RB R. Jennings (Doub Mon, thumb), CB D. Rodgers-Cromartie (Doub Mon, groin), DT R. Thomas (Out Mon, illness), T. M. Newhouse (Out Mon, calf), S D. Thompson (Out Mon, foot), S N. Berhe (Out Mon, concussion), RB S. Vereen (Elig Week 12, tricep), S M. Thompson (I-R, knee), FB N. Whitlock (I-R, foot), LB J. Thomas (I-R, knee), FB W. Johnson (I-R, stinger), TE M. LaCosse (I-R, knee).

Vikings - TE M. Pruitt (Prob Mon, knee), RB J. McKinnon (Prob Sun, toe), G A. Boone (Prob Mon, hip), FB Z. Line (Ques Mon, undisclosed), C N. Easton (Ques Mon, ankle), TE D. Morgan (Doub Mon, knee), DT S. Floyd (Early Nov, knee), RB A. Peterson (Elig Week 11, knee), T M. Kalil (I-R, hip), QB T. Bridgewater (I-R, knee), DT S. Crichton (I-R, undisclosed), QB T. Heinicke (Elig Week 8, foot), CB J. Price (I-R, knee), S A. Exum Jr (I-R, leg), G M. Harris (Elig Week 8, illness).

WEATHER REPORT: Minnesota's fancy new U.S. Bank Stadium has a roof - no weather worries Monday night.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Injuries in both the offensive and defensive backfields could present a daunting obstacle for New York, which lost starting running back Rashad Jennings to a thumb injury in Week 2 and backup Shane Vereen possibly for the season with a torn triceps sustained last week. Quarterback Eli Manning, who was picked off twice while throwing for 350 yards last week, has plenty of receiving options at his disposal with Beckham, Victor Cruz and rookie Sterling Shepard, but Vereen robs him of his top pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Jennings did not do much in practice Friday, raising the possibility that Orleans Darkwa and Bobby Rainey will share the bulk of the carries. New York gave up 296 yards through the air last week and is dealing with myriad injuries in the secondary.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS, 1-2 O/U): After stifling Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in its home opener in Week 2, Minnesota opened eyes across the league by dominating Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, snapping their 14-game winning streak at home 22-10. The Vikings took down the reigning NFC champions despite the absence of running back Adrian Peterson, who is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee sustained against the Packers. Quarterback Sam Bradford, who sat out the season opener following his acquisition from Philadelphia, has played superbly in his two starts, throwing for 459 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Minnesota's defense has permitted only 13 points in the second half, helping to overcome 10-point deficits at Tennessee and Carolina.

TRENDS:

* Giants are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 4.
* Vikings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.
* Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Under is 11-1 in Vikings last 12 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is giving a bit of an edge to the home favorite Vikings in this Monday night matchup with 54 percent of the picks. As for the total, 55 percent of the wagers are on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Post: 8:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$11000 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $15,000 TO $18,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE & SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $1,000.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 GRIN FOR MONEY 6/1
# 6 MACHAPELO 12/1
# 9 INTENDED STYLE 3/1

We've got a vibe GRIN FOR MONEY is going to get the triumph. The handicapping team knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This horse will unlock our way to a nice score. Seems to have a nice class advantage based on the competition he has faced. Filion and Moreau have a respectable working relationship. Great results from their competitions. MACHAPELO - Has the perfect running style to best this race, according to the pace numbers. This horse could get the trip to the winner's circle here beginning from the Mohawk Racetrack 6 hole. INTENDED STYLE - Gelding and trainer go together like hot dogs and buns. They finish in the money 100 percent of their races.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Post: 4:48 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$8500 - CLAIMING $10,000 WINNERS 2 RACES LAST 4 STARTS THIS CLAIMING LEVEL OR HIGHER INELIGIBLE PA PREFERRED MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: ANDY MCCARTHY #9 OVER #5
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 8 EXPLOSIVE DRAMA 8/1
# 1 ANDOVERS TOUCH 4/1
# 9 SOUTHWIND VOLTAGE 5/1

Hard not to give the nod to EXPLOSIVE DRAMA as the top choice today may be overlooked at 8/1 on the line. With very good win stats, Napolitano should have this gelding in excellent position to win the outing. ANDOVERS TOUCH - Can't overlook based on speed figures which have been excellent (85 avg) lately. The wagering panel gives this entrant a really good chance to win this one, class statistics are tops in the pack. SOUTHWIND VOLTAGE - Feel the need for speed, this harness racer has been turning in some exemplary TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 84. Should be given a look based on the really strong TrackMaster SR earned in the last gathering.