If you’re looking to bet on the Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints game on Christmas Day and need to do some last-minute research, you’re in luck! We’ve put together this handy betting guide, which includes the point spread, moneyline and over-under, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.
The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox and the NFL Network.
The Vikings (6-8) had a decent chance to play their way into a Wild Card spot, but have lost back-to-back games to the Bucs and Bears and could be eliminated from contention this week. The Saints (10-4) have also lost two straight, but welcomed Drew Brees back to the field against the Chiefs, and trimmed a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to lose by three.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Saints -7
- Money line: Saints -350 / Vikings +260
- Over-under: 50.5
What you need to know:
- According to ESPN’s FPI, the Saints have a 72.6 percent chance to win, and the Vikings have a 27.2 percent chance to win.
- Per Action Network’s public betting info, 68 percent of bets are on the Saints to cover, and 63 percent of over/under bets are on the over.
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.
Advice
This should be an interesting game, with the Saints’ elite defense matching up with a high-powered Vikings offense.
You’d typically give a top offense the edge over a top defense, but while the Vikings are fifth in the league in total yards, they’re only 14th in points per game – and their offense hasn’t been quite the same on the road as it has in Minneapolis. The Vikings average 28.8 points per game at home, but a full touchdown less (21.5) on the road. With playoff seeding considerations to play for and recent playoff history to avenge against the Vikings, I’m expecting to see a focused Saints team that holds the Vikings under 20 – so I’m taking the under 50.5.
The spread is just big enough that I’m worried about a late, meaningless Vikings cover, but working Saints -7 into a teaser (turning it into Saints -1) is an attractive option. My favorite pairings include Saints -1/Bills -1 and Saints -1/Broncos-Chargers over 42.5.
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