2014 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: Patriots vs. Vikings Odds & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (The Spread) – How will the deactivation of Adrian Peterson impact the Patriots-Vikings game today at 1:00PM ET?
The Vikings deactivated Peterson for Week 2 on Friday following the news that he was indicted on child abuse charges that same day. Matt Asiata will start in his place today against the Patriots, while rookie Jerick McKinnon will fill in as the No. 2 back. The Vikings are also likely to activate Joe Banyard from the practice squad in order to improve depth, but not having AP severely diminishes the team’s ability to sustain drives like they did a week ago in their 34-6 win over the Rams in St. Louis.
As for the Patriots, they were shocked 33-20 by the Dolphins last Sunday in their Week 1 loss. New England’s offensive line got quarterback Tom Brady pounded early and often as he threw for just 249 yards and one touchdown. The Pats’ defense also has a lot to improve upon from Week 1 to today, as it allowed Miami running back Knowshon Moreno to rush for 134 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Patriots are now 4.5-point favorites over the Vikings for today’s game. Before the Peterson deactivation, the Pats were hovering around a 3.5-point spread but the number understandably jumped up a full point. The total for this game is now sitting at 48.5.
NFL FREE PICK: Take New England. It was easy to like the Patriots before this game – it became even easier to like them after the Vikings deactivated Peterson. New England has a habit of rebounding under Brady and coach Bill Belichick and should do so again today. There’s always value for bettors when it comes to home underdogs but in this case, New England should cover with more pressure being put on Matt Cassel and the passing game. Cordarrelle Patterson is a hell of a play, capable of busting off big plays like on his 80-plus yard run a week in St. Louis. But with AP out, the Pats can concentrate on Patterson and make Cassel’s life miserable in the process. Lay the points.
2014 NFL WEEK 2 FREE PICK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -4.5