NFL - Washington at Minnesota (8:15 PM ET – NBC)

The battle between Washington and Minnesota has become a key one in the race for the final wildcard spot in the NFC, so much so that it has been moved to the NBC Sunday night feature.

2007-12-21

The battle between Washington and Minnesota has become a key one in the race for the final wildcard spot in the NFC, so much so that it has been moved to the NBC Sunday night feature. The Vikings and Redskins are the two frontrunners out of a handful of teams still vying for the final playoff position. Minnesota has home field edge here but will be off a short week having played Monday vs. Chicago. The Redskins are making their second straight appearance on SNF and have won two games in a row over fellow NFC contenders to get back in the hunt. Both teams face difficult season finales, with Minnesota traveling to Denver, and Washington hosting Dallas, so this becomes a must-win for both. The Redskins are on a run of 27-12 ATS as a road dog of 3.5-9.5 points.
The Redskins have suffered a traumatic fall from grace and seem unable to regain form. QB Jason Campbell is talented but has much to learn, but he is not alone failing the team at the worst possible time. The receiving corps has been pedestrian for much of the campaign while the defense struggles to keep the opposition from passing all over the field. To top things off, the coaching has, at times, failed to provide the leadership needed to make it all work.

No team has surprised in recent week like the Minnesota Vikings. While the offense, namely the prodigious rise of RB Adrian Peterson, hordes the headlines, the defense has worked as the force of reckoning, keeping scores in recent games as low as possible while all but eliminating the oncoming rushing offense any team may bring. The indecision at QB has us all guessing and could provide a source of experimentation that has proven concerning. However, the Vikes could be in position to enjoy a breakout campaign.

Keys to the Game
Minnesota’s hot play has earned another prime-time showcase as they have rebounded from a 3-6 start. Coach Brad Childress has used a clichéd philosophy of playing one game at a time, using what some consider old school football, yet it still works even today: Run the ball, stop the run. Minnesota is 1st in the league in both categories. With Washington’s oft stagnant offense, Minnesota could improve to 12-2 ATS when they allow 15 to 21 points. Veteran backup Todd Collins will be making his second straight start and is playing in Al Saunders offense. The Redskins are 8-1-1 ATS in division sandwich games.

Trends
~ Washington is 11-27 ATS in road games when they allow 150 or more rushing yards.
~ Minnesota is 11-2 ATS vs. passing defenses allowing a completion percentage of 61% or worse over the last three seasons.

StatFox Edge – Redskins cover

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