SUNDAY NIGHT

Washington @ Minnesota

The Vikings are on a roll having won five in a row, and are squarely in control of the final playoff spot in the NFC. They can clinch with a win and a loss or tie by the New Orleans Saints. Minnesota is winning nearly 75% of simulations by over 8 points on average. Over 45% of simulations are being decided by 10 points or more in favor of the home Vikings.

The Vikings have the best run defense in the league highlighted by run stuffing tandem of Pat and Kevin Williams inside. They give up just 67.9 yards per game on the ground. The Redskins tandem of Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are rushing for just 80 combined yards with an average of less than 3.4 yards per carry. Ancient quarterback Todd Collins, who waiting 10 years in-between NFL starts, is forecasted for another effective game with 225 yards and a score. Both Chris Cooley and Santana Moss are projected for 50 yards receiving with 4 catches.

The offense for Minnesota is obviously produced on the ground with running backs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Peterson, a shoo-in for the rookie of the year, is third in the league in rushing with 1278 yards. After league-leader was lost for the year due to a leg injury it will likely be either the rookie or San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson that ends up with the rushing title. Peterson is projected for 105 yards and 1.1 touchdowns while averaging a whopping 5.8 yards per carry. His backfield mate Taylor is not too shabby either; he is forecasted for over 50 yards, and has a better chance to score than Portis and Betts combined.