Vikings To Make NFC Statement With Rams Victory

The Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams will lock horns on Sunday at US Bank Stadium in a potential playoff preview.

Both sides have performed extremely well this term, each holding 7-2 records heading into week 11. The Vikings have battled on with their starting quarterback Sam Bradford, with former Rams quarterback Case Keenum rising to the occasion.

Keenum started last season as the Rams’ signal-caller, but was ousted due to his poor form by Jared Goff. Both quarterbacks have staged a dramatic improvement in their respective games and it should make for a thrilling contest between two of the powerhouses in the NFC.

The Vikings have been strong on both sides of the ball this term, despite their lapse defensive display against the Washington Redskins. Their defense is stocked with talent and will be aiming to become the first team in a long while to slow down Los Angeles’ attack.

Keenum drove his side to an impressive victory on the road last week against the Redskins. The Vikings have control of the NFC North and are pushing the Philadelphia Eagles hard for the number one seed.

Given that the Super Bowl is being played in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer’s men could face the possibility of playing throughout the post-season on home soil. Therefore there is plenty of incentive for the club to continue their recent run of strong form.

The Rams have been one of the surprise packages of the season. First year head coach Sean McVay has been outstanding in his role, bringing the offense to life. Los Angeles now face the crunch part of their schedule and have to maintain their high level of form against stronger outfits down the stretch.

We’ll now break down both sides and use the latest betting odds for the contest.

Minnesota Vikings

When Bradford went down in week two of the campaign, Zimmer and the Vikings would have feared the worst about their prospects this term. However, Keenum has risen to the occasion and has been more than capable to drive his side to six victories, despite Bradford’s absence. His performances have been even more impressive considering that the club also lost rookie running back Dalvin Cook for the season.

Keenum has built a rapport with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs in the passing game. Even though the quarterback has impressed he faces pressure from the return of Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater has been out for almost two seasons following his devastating knee injury. His presence alone could bring out the best in Keenum, which will only benefit Minnesota down the stretch.

Thielen has established himself as one of the leading wideouts in the NFL. He continued his fine season with a 166-yard outing against the Redskins along with a touchdown. The 27-year-old is ranked third in receiving yards in the league, easing the strain on Diggs. With Thielen, Diggs and tight end Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings have an offense that can match the best in the NFC.

Defensively there are stars at every level of the unit. They were not quite at their best last week, but Zimmer’s men are ranked fifth in yards allowed this season. Everson Griffen has enjoyed a dominant term with 10 sacks already to his name. The 29-year-old is on pace to smash his best campaign in the NFL, beating the 12 sacks he notched in 2014.

The defense has allowed 18.3 points per game after nine matches – holding that level of form will be enough to send the club into the post-season, with a strong possibility of clinching a top-two seed.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have an opportunity to make a statement in this contest. They’ve performed well to reach 7-2 in their campaign, but they are yet to beat an established side. McVay’s men came close to defeating the Seattle Seahawks on home soil, only to be denied as Cooper Kupp dropped a sure touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Since then the club have won four games on the spin, hammering the New York Giants and the Houston Texans in their last two outings.

Goff has been outstanding in his second campaign in the NFL. The 23-year-old has been aided by McVay’s system, which has brought out the best in the quarterback. Since the bye week, he has taken his game to new heights, throwing four touchdowns against the Giants and another three against the Texans last time out. In the early stages of the season, Goff had been reliant on running back Todd Gurley, but over the last two matches he has started to take control of the offense.

Only six quarterbacks in the NFL boast a better passer rating and have thrown for more touchdowns than the 22-year-old. He will be tested against the Vikings, but with Gurley alongside him and Kupp, Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods in the receiving corps – Goff has weapons to thrive in Minnesota.

The Rams have not faced a dangerous offense since their win over the Dallas Cowboys. Wade Phillips has done a fine job with the unit – showing the Denver Broncos what they’re missing. Their cornerbacks have been solid, although Thielen and Diggs will test their mettle this week. This contest is a true litmus test of the Rams and their ability to make a surge towards the playoffs.

Betting Options

The Vikings have won three out of their four matches at US Bank Stadium this term. Their only defeat came at the hands of the Detroit Lions in week four of the campaign. Minnesota are rolling into the game off the back of an impressive win over the Redskins, but now their defense has to stand up to a tough test. If they allow the Rams to dictate the terms of the contest – it could be a close one, increasing the pressure on Keenum.

Keenum is at his best when playing within himself – therefore the Vikings’ defense has to control the game. They have the talent to shut down the Rams’ wideouts and stop the threat of Gurley on the ground game. As a result, back the Vikings for the win at odds of 1.74Bet €100 to win €17437/50Bet £100 to win £174-135Bet $100 to win $1740.74Bet HK$100 to win HK$174-1.35Bet Rp100 to win Rp1740.7400Bet RM100 to win RM174  with BetOnline. Be aggressive on the spread by taking Minnesota at -4.5 with 888Sport 2.38Bet €100 to win €23869/50Bet £100 to win £238+138Bet $100 to win $2381.38Bet HK$100 to win HK$2381.38Bet Rp100 to win Rp238-0.7246Bet RM100 to win RM238 . Stefon Diggs ended a three-game drought without a touchdown last week against Washington. Back him to make it successive matches with touchdowns at 2.63Bet €100 to win €263163/100Bet £100 to win £263+163Bet $100 to win $2631.63Bet HK$100 to win HK$2631.63Bet Rp100 to win Rp263-0.6135Bet RM100 to win RM263  with Bet365.

Tips Summary

Minnesota Vikings To Beat Los Angeles Rams
Sunday 19^th November 2017 13:00 ET (18:00 GMT)
Odds: 1.74Bet €100 to win €17437/50Bet £100 to win £174-135Bet $100 to win $1740.74Bet HK$100 to win HK$174-1.35Bet Rp100 to win Rp1740.7400Bet RM100 to win RM174

Take Minnesota Vikings -4.5 Spread
Sunday 19^th November 2017 13:00 ET (18:00 GMT)
Odds: 2.38Bet €100 to win €23869/50Bet £100 to win £238+138Bet $100 to win $2381.38Bet HK$100 to win HK$2381.38Bet Rp100 to win Rp238-0.7246Bet RM100 to win RM238

Stefon Diggs To Score Touchdown Anytime
Sunday 19^th November 2017 13:00 ET (18:00 GMT)
Odds: 2.63Bet €100 to win €263163/100Bet £100 to win £263+163Bet $100 to win $2631.63Bet HK$100 to win HK$2631.63Bet Rp100 to win Rp263-0.6135Bet RM100 to win RM263