Fansided

Cowboys at Vikings: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) intercepts the ball against Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs (14) as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) looks on in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) intercepts the ball against Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs (14) as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) looks on in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Minnesota Vikings will host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football in Week 13. Here is a game preview, the betting odds, and game prediction.

Usually on Thursday Night Football, there are two teams who will be playing on a short week since they played on Sunday. That will not be the case on Thursday Dec. 1, as the Dallas Cowboys (10-1) visit the Minnesota Vikings (6-5). Both teams played on Thanksgiving, so they should be rested. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium will be at 8:30 p.m. ET. As always, NFL Network and NBC will have the broadcast. This game will also be streamed via Twitter.

Minnesota is spiraling downwards at 6-5. While the Vikings record doesn’t look terrible, it’s terrible once you consider they started 5-0. Since then, Minnesota has lost five of their last six. Injuries to Adrian Peterson and a majority of their offensive line has left quarterback Sam Bradford unprotected and uncomfortable.

On the other side of the field, Dallas enters Thursday Night Football with the best record in the NFL. They haven’t lost since Week 2. The Cowboys still have a lot to play for, as they’re looking to ensure home field advantage for as long as they’re in the playoffs (unless they reach the Super Bowl). Their offense has been extraordinary despite being led by two rookies – running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott.

Odds

Point Spread: Dallas -3.5
Moneylines: Dallas -133, Minnesota +113
Over/Under: 43.5

According to OddsShark.com, the Cowboys are the favorites to win on the road. The associated moneylines are Dallas -133 and Minnesota +113. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 43.5 points.

Here are the trends to know with regards to the Cowboys: 1.) Green Bay is 9-1 against the spread in its last 10 games. 2.) The Cowboys are 5-0 against the spread on the road. 3.) They have gone under in eight of their last 10 road games.

Here are the trends to know about the Vikings: 1.) Minnesota is 18-7 against the spread in their last 25 games, but 1-5 straight up and against the spread in their last six. 2.) They have gone under in seven of their last 10 games.

This should be an interesting game on Thursday night. The Vikings desperately need a win to have a chance of winning the NFC North. Meanwhile, Dallas would love to lock up a first round bye and they can all but do it with a win on Thursday.

NEXT: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time

The difference in this game will be Dallas and their offensive line. Minnesota has a very impressive defensive line, but they should be able to handle them. Their defense has been weak as of late, but the Vikings offense has shown no signs of life recently.

Pick: Dallas 27, Minnesota 17

Home/Dallas Cowboys