The Cardinals have a pivotal clash on Sunday in Minnesota against the Vikings. My game prediction came out on Thursday.
Here are my three favorite prop bets for the contest:
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson under 87.5 receiving yards (-115)
Jefferson is an absolute rock star. He is averaging 109 receiving yards per game and might be the best wide receiver in the NFL. However, he is going up against a Cardinals defense that has been the best in the league against No. 1 receivers, allowing only 52.6 yards per game, per Football Outsiders.
Davante Adams, A.J. Brown and Cooper Kupp were quieter than usual against Arizona and I think that happens again here. Byron Murphy could draw the assignment on Jefferson for much of the contest, while Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson are a pair of elite safeties who will undoubtedly be tasked with helping out.
The Cardinals are ranked just No. 27 against the pass this season, and I do think Kirk Cousins will have success through the air. But this could be a bigger game than usual for Adam Thielen as Arizona makes it a point of emphasis to keep Jefferson from beating them.
Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins over 67.5 receiving yards (-115)
We rode the over in Hopkins’ debut against the Saints and that hit easily. In fact, our +630 prop of 110-plus yards ended up just seven yards short, and anyone who took Hopkins to hit the century mark was rewarded handsomely.
Hopkins made a prescient observation after the game, wondering if teams will start rolling a safety his way now that he has proven himself in the debut. But even if that’s the case on Sunday, I still believe Hopkins will get his yardage.
This Cardinals’ offense resembles the 2020 version much more than 2021 in my eyes. Hopkins is the clear-cut superstar, and the rest of the cast is solid but not dominant. Robbie Anderson is a wild card in this game, while tight end Zach Ertz and slot Rondale Moore will get some touches, but it’s clear quarterback Kyler Murray loves throwing to Hopkins.
The Vikings are giving up more than 75 yards per game to No. 1 receivers this season and don’t have the cornerbacks that can stick with Hopkins consistently now that Patrick Peterson is past his prime.
Some are going to forecast a course correction in Game 2 for Hopkins, but I think he keeps on rolling with another strong outing.
Vikings RB Dalvin Cook Under 75.5 rush yards (-115)
Cook has been solid, like usual, this season, averaging 75 rushing yards per game at 4.8 yards per carry. However, there are a couple of reasons why I like the under on this one
It’s a high number, and the Cardinals are No. 6 in rush defense this season according to Football Outsiders. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has always been a guy who wants to stop the run so he can bust out exotic blitzes on third down. I think the Vikings are going to have success throwing the ball in this game, but I’m not so sure Cook runs wild.
The concern for this one is if the favored Vikings jump out to a big lead and ride Cook to churn out first downs and keep the clock moving. If he gets in the neighborhood of 18-to-20 carries, it’s going to be hard for the Cardinals to keep him below 76 rushing yards.
However, the spread is only 3.5 points and the Cardinals could very well score enough to keep this game competitive. I don’t think Cook’s per-carry efficiency will be dominant against Arizona, so as long as the volume is kept in check, I like the under.
This Week’s Props Bet Record: 0-3
Overall: 39-35
