As the NFL season heats up, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an exciting matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. Scheduled for Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. With both teams vying for playoff positions, the stakes are high, and the betting odds are enticing. So, what can we expect from this clash?
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The sportsbooks have set the stage for an electrifying game. According to DraftKings, the Vikings are favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under of 45 points. Bet365 and BetMGM are in agreement, offering the same point spread and total. This suggests a tight contest, with the Vikings slightly ahead due to their home advantage and current form.
Season Record
Let’s break down the season records. The Arizona Cardinals enter this game with a 6-5 record, placing them second in the NFC West. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings boast a 9-2 record, also sitting second in the NFC North. Both teams are in the hunt for playoff spots, making this game crucial for their postseason aspirations.
Recent Form
The Cardinals are coming off a disappointing 16-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Their performance was lackluster, with Kyler Murray completing 24 of 37 passes for 285 yards, but failing to score a touchdown and throwing one interception. On the ground, Trey Benson managed just 18 rushing yards, while Trey McBride shone with 133 receiving yards on 12 receptions.
In contrast, the Vikings secured a thrilling 30-27 overtime victory against the Chicago Bears. Sam Darnold was impressive, completing 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones contributed significantly with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Jordan Addison caught eight passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings Preview and Analysis
Analyzing both teams, the Cardinals have shown resilience throughout the season, but their inconsistency, especially on the road, could be a stumbling block. They are 2-3 in away games this season, and their recent offensive struggles against the Seahawks highlight potential vulnerabilities.
The Vikings, on the other hand, have been formidable, especially at home with a 3-1 record. Their offense, led by Darnold and Jones, is potent, and their defense has been effective in shutting down strong offenses. This balance could prove decisive against a Cardinals team that has struggled defensively.
Cardinals vs Vikings Prediction
Given the current form and betting odds, the Vikings are poised to cover the 3.5-point spread. Their strong home record and offensive prowess give them the edge. The Cardinals, despite their potential, face a tough challenge, especially with their recent road performances. Our prediction for this game is a 24-13 victory for the Vikings. Bettors looking for value might consider backing the Vikings to cover the spread.
NFL Betting Trends
Betting trends provide valuable insights for those looking to place wagers. The Cardinals are 10-4 ATS as a road underdog of 7 points or less and 6-3 ATS after a loss against a division rival. They also tend to go over the total, with a 10-3 record in games following a road loss.
The Vikings, however, have struggled ATS after a two-game road trip, going 0-3. They are also 4-9 ATS against strong rushing teams but have a 9-4 record for the over as a home favorite. These trends suggest a potential high-scoring affair, aligning with the over/under set at 45 points.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a significant role in this matchup. The Cardinals have several players listed as questionable, including M. Melton (CB) and X. Thomas (OLB). Notably, J. Thompson (SAF) is out with an ankle injury, which could weaken their defense.
For the Vikings, G. Murphy (OLB) is out with a knee injury, while key players like S. Gilmore (CB) and H. Smith (SAF) are resting. S. Darnold (QB) is nursing a toe injury, but his participation is crucial for the Vikings’ success.
Notable Quotes
Kyler Murray, reflecting on their recent loss, stated, “Obviously, it’s a hostile environment. We just didn’t execute, did not execute at a high enough level to win that game.” This highlights the Cardinals’ need for improvement.
Kevin O’Connell, after the Vikings’ win against the Bears, emphasized the team’s resilience: “It was just the ability to overcome, and his trust in me and my trust in him. We were gonna do it via the pass on that drive for the most part.” This confidence could be pivotal in their upcoming game.
Starting Lineups and Statistical Leaders
For the Cardinals, key offensive players include WR Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Michael Wilson, and QB Kyler Murray. Murray has passed for 2,343 yards this season, while James Conner leads in rushing with 705 yards.
The Vikings’ offense features WR Justin Jefferson and QB Sam Darnold, who has thrown for 2,717 yards. Aaron Jones leads their rushing attack with 798 yards, and Jefferson has 939 receiving yards.
As the game approaches, fans and bettors will be eagerly watching to see which team can capitalize on their strengths and secure a vital win. With playoff implications on the line, this matchup is not to be missed!
