We’ve got a matchup between two winless teams this Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Carolina Panthers. These two squads finished on opposite ends of the spectrum last season when the Vikings won the NFC North and the Panthers traded up for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Let’s dive into the odds and best bets for this NFC showdown between the Vikings and Panthers.
Vikings vs Panthers Odds
NFL odds used for this Minnesota vs Carolina preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Vikings (-195) • Panthers (+162)
- Spread: Vikings -3.5 (-110) • Panthers +3.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 45.5 (-110) • Under 45.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Vikings 24.5, Panthers 21
Vikings vs Panthers Predictions
Score Pick: Vikings 30, Panthers 24
The Minnesota Vikings are widely considered the biggest underachievers in the NFL through the season’s first three weeks, as they enter Week 4 trying to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2011.
Minnesota’s offensive production cannot be ignored – Kirk Cousins leads the league with 1075 passing yards, and Justin Jefferson leads all players with 458 receiving yards – but they also lead the NFL in turnovers with nine, including two red-zone interceptions. If the visiting Vikings are able to protect the ball in this contest, it should be a routine win.
The Panthers defense has not been bad to start the year as they’ve held opposing QBs to only 192.3 yards passing per game, but it has been destroyed on the ground, where they’re conceding 136.7 yards per game.
The biggest question mark for the Panthers is who will be starting at QB. Bryce Young is still recovering from an ankle injury, and veteran Andy Dalton looked pretty good last weekend starting in the rookie’s place, throwing for 361 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Young is the long-term QB for the Panthers, but after one game, it looks like the offense is more competent with Dalton under center.
Still, I like Minny to win this game comfortably in what should be a high-scoring contest.
Vikings vs Panthers Best Bets & Props
Over 45.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Both of these teams are near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game this season. The Panthers are allowing 27 points per game and the Vikings are conceding 27.3 points a game.
The Vikings offense can also put up points on Carolina’s defense in a variety of ways, including with Alexander Mattison on the ground, making the Over my NFL bet of the day.
Vikings -3.5 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER:1 Unit
The Vikings went 2-0-1 against the spread as a road favorite last season despite only going 7-10-1 ATS overall in 2022. The Panthers were 5-1 ATS as a home underdog last season. so something’s got to give in this matchup.
The Vikings are better on both sides of the ball, and the uncertainty at the QB position for the Panthers leans me towards the Vikings covering this spread.
Vikings Over 24.5 (-105)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Vikings offense can beat teams in numerous ways, which includes their dynamic passing attack.
Cousins is having one of his best seasons statistically and has more than just Jefferson as a weapon. T.J. Hockenson and first-round WR Jordan Addison have been great to start this season as well.
The Vikings offensive line has also done a good job protecting Cousins, allowing only eight sacks through three weeks. As long as Cousins protects the ball, the Vikings offense should coast Over this total.
Vikings vs Panthers Same Game Parlay
Vikings vs Panthers SGP (+280)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: .5 Units
- Vikings (-195)
- Total Alternate Over 42 (-179)
- Justin Jefferson Anytime Touchdown (-119)
I think the Vikings will win this game, so taking their moneyline without the spread was a safe option for this parlay.
If the Panthers offense does not keep up with the Vikings, then the Over 45.5 might not hit. Taking the alternate Over 42 gives us a 3.5-point cushion.
The best player in the game is Justin Jefferson and he finally scored his first touchdown last week. I expect the Vikings to force-feed him in this game.
