Cardinals vs. Vikings Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for NFL Week 8

Don’t forget about the Minnesota Vikings. They were on their bye in Week 7, but they sit at 5-1, in first place in the NFC North, and might be the second best team in the conference. The Arizona Cardinals head up to Minnesota after their best game of the season. A 42-34 win over New Orleans in Week 7 and an offensive renaissance with Deandre Hopkins back from his suspension. 

The last time Minnesota was really tested, they got embarrassed by Philadelphia, and maybe this Arizona team is different with Hopkins back, so let’s see what Vegas thinks. 

Cardinals vs. Vikings Odds, Spread and Total

Minnesota and Arizona Betting Trends

• Minnesota is 2-4 ATS
• Minnesota is 0-4 ATS vs. NFC
• Over is 6-1 in Minnesota’s last seven home games
• Arizona is 4-3 ATS
• Under is 5-2 in Arizona’s game
• Arizona is 0-4-2 ATS in last six vs. Minnesota

Cardinals vs. Vikings Prediction and Pick

The Arizona Cardinals desperately needed Deandre Hopkins back on the field, and not for the reason you would think. Sure, he had 10 catches for 103 yards in his season debut and is clearly their most reliable receiver, but it is what he does for the running game that unlocks their offense. The Cardinals primary receivers this season have been Marquise Brown and Greg Dortch. Both have slight frames and are speed threats. They are also the fifth and seventh worst run blocking wide receivers in 2022 according to PFF. For good measure the Cardinals traded for Robbie Anderson who is sixth worst. 

The last time Hopkins played a full season was in 2020 when the Cardinals averaged 4.7 yards per carry. This season they aren’t far off from that at 4.5 ypc, but against New Orleans, Eno Benjamin rushed for 7.7 ypc and Hopkins had a lead block on a Keontay Ingram touchdown. 

The Cardinals still needed two pick sixes to put up 42 on the Saints and they allowed Andy Dalton to score 34 points. So I don’t fully trust the Cardinals yet, but I am going to stop fading their first half offense in every game and riding unders. Arizona will be able to run the ball, and Kyler Murray should have a huge week through the air. Minnesota allows 7.9 yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks, the highest in the league. 

If Andy Dalton and Chris Olave could score on Arizona, then Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson will certainly put up some points, so I love the over in this game. 

Pick: Over 49 (-107)

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change