Vikings @ Rams NFL Thursday betting picks | Week 8 preview

Vikings @ Rams best bets

Vikings @ Rams NFL Week 8 preview

The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams kick off NFL Week 8 with an exciting NFC matchup at SoFi Stadium this Thursday night.

Last Sunday, the Vikings suffered their first defeat of the season, losing to the Lions by two points. After scoring the first 10 points of the game, Minnesota then conceded a run of 28-7 across the second and third quarters. Three scores in the fourth quarter meant the Vikings took the lead late, but they fell just short after Detroit kicked the match-winning field goal with just 15 seconds to play.

Sitting at 5-1, this loss against one of the NFL’s top teams is hardly concerning for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota boast a top-five defense, and despite playing on the road, it is no surprise to see them as -156.25 favourites with top NFL betting sites.

The Vikings could be set for some good news this week, as star tight end T.J. Hockenson is a chance to play his first game of the season. Linebacker Blake Cashman is the only major injury concern, as he has not trained due to a toe injury.

The Rams secured a critical victory last Sunday, beating the Raiders by five points at home. Running back Kyren Williams proved to be the difference in a low-scoring game, adding 76 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The defense was also very strong, keeping Las Vegas to only field goals and also returning a fumble for a score.

The win breaks a run of two straight losses for the Rams, taking their season record to 2-4. While they haven’t been incredibly poor, they have lost three one-score games, which is why their playoff hopes are already at risk. At +130 with Bovada, LA are underdogs for this game.

The Rams look set to regain star receiver Cooper Kupp from an ankle injury that has kept him out since Week 2. Offensive tackle Joe Notebloom has also been taken off injured reserve as he works back from an ankle issue of his own. Meanwhile, linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) and defensive end Braden Fiske (back) are in doubt.

Vikings @ Rams betting strategy

Although the Vikings are coming off a loss, it is no wonder they are favourites given their strong start to the season. Defensively, they should be too strong for the Rams, while Hockenson returning will add another dimension to their offense. With quarterback Sam Darnold playing career-best football, back Minnesota to cover the spread of -3 points at -111.11 with leading sportsbooks.

Each of the last three Rams games have gone under the total points line, as they average just 19 points per game. Similarly, four of the six Vikings games this season have gone under, as they had kept their opposition to just 15 points per game prior to last week’s defeat. With the total points line set at 48.5 points, take the under at -111.11 with top online bookmakers.

With a defensive touchdown in each of the last two weeks and three across the season, the Minnesota defense is a legitimate scoring threat. The Rams offensive line has struggled this season, which suggests quarterback Matthew Stafford should be under added pressure throughout the game. At +800 with Bovada, there is great value on offer for the Vikings defense to score a touchdown.

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