Vikings at Redskins: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

We’re getting ready to see the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins at FedExField on Sunday. Which team will prevail in this contest?

The last time we saw the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs was 2015. What a coincidence: That was the case when it came to the Washington Redskins as well. Both teams won their respective divisions that season. Unfortunately, both clubs fell in their first postseason game that year.

We will not try and get ahead of ourselves. But could this actually be the first of two meetings between these clubs in 2017? That sounds like a longer shot for the ‘Skins, who trail both the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. Meanwhile, Mike Zimmer’s club is atop the NFC North and are currently winners of four straight games. So can Kirk Cousins and his teammates avoid a letdown from last Sunday’s scintillating win at Seattle?

Odds

Line: Vikings (-1)

Over/Under: 42.5

As you can see (courtesy of OddsShark), the Vikings are a slight favorite to get their fifth straight win. And this is a Redskins’ team that has been just 6-6 at home outright dating back to the start of the 2016 season.

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Only three teams in the NFL have allowed fewer total yards per game than the Minnesota Vikings. They also rank third in the league against the run and only six clubs are giving up fewer yards per contest through the air. But that doesn’t mean that the Washington Redskins can’t take advantage of a squad that may be a little rusty after some time off. Don’t be surprised if Cousins and company, who have outscored opponents a combined 40-16 in the first quarter this season, get off to a quick start and wind up holding off the NFC North leaders in a nail-biter.

Pick: Redskins 22, Vikings 20