Written by Rohit Ghosh
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Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: Monday Night Football
The Minnesota Vikings look like a Super Bowl-contending team heading into Week 4's Monday Night Football matchup when they host the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota is a 4.5-point favorite with the total set at 43.
What to Watch For on Monday Night
This matchup will be decided by how effective the Giants can be against a much improved and highly confident Vikings secondary. The unit hasn't given much up this season, even holding Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers to 213 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in a Minnesota victory.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. has been under the magnifying glass early in the season and his performance just hasn't lived up to the hype. Keep in mind, though, that he and the Giants are still acclimating to first-year head coach Ben McAdoo.
New York heads into Week 4 after a tough 29-27 loss to Washington. Manning hit the 350-yard mark, but his two INTs were just too costly. Washington's defensive line was also able to put some pressure on Manning, sacking him twice. The Vikings' defense is a lot better unit than that of Washington's.
What do the simulations say?
Whereas Vegas odds have the Vikings as about 4-to-five point favorites, AccuScore simulations have that a few points lower, favoring Minnesota by 1-point.
Vegas odds suggest Minnesota has approximately a 65 percent chance of winning; AccuScore sims have that closer to about 52 percent, providing a lot more value on the visiting side.
AccuScore simulation data has the total set at 41 - two points lower than Vegas' 43. The total combined score stays UNDER 43 in about 54 percent of simulations.
Make sure to visit AccuScore to view detailed individual player projections: NFL Expert Picks
Monday Night Football: Best Bet
The NY Giants covering a +4.5 spread and the total combined score staying UNDER 43 are both four-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trend picks on this matchup. Based on that data and some of the trends (below), both are highly attractive picks.
If you're looking for a bit more breathing room on your wager(s), consider a two-team, 6-point teaser, to get NY to double-digits and the total up to 49.
Betting Trends
• The total has gone UNDER in four of Minnesota's last five games, looking back to last season.
• Minnesota is 2-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven games vs NY Giants at home.
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