Patriots @ Vikings Thanksgiving Day Game Picks

I’m not too sure if a lot of Vikings fans are waking up thankful for Kirk Cousins today after last week's blowout loss to the Cowboys. Regardless the Vikings have the chance tonight to prove they aren't frauds and last week was a fluke. We’ll go over whether or not you should trust primetime Kirk Cousins tonight or if the underdog Patriots are the way to go.

Bet #1: Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)

It’s very hard to look at last week's Vikings loss and think they actually have what it takes to compete for a Super Bowl but regardless I actually think they’ll walk away tonight with a win. Trusting Kirk Cousins in primetime is not the most ideal thing but watching the Patriots this season I don’t think they have what it takes to beat a decent opponent.

Both teams were unable to score an offensive touchdown last weekend, however, the Vikings' offense has the capability to turn it around tonight with all the weapons they have on offense. The Patriots' defense is what won them the game last weekend but this isn’t the Jets' offense anymore, they have to line up against Justin Jefferson for the entire game.

New England’s defense has solid numbers this season but keep in mind their last three opponents have been the Jets twice and the Colts so they haven’t necessarily been challenged recently. The four times the Patriots’ played a legitimate offense they lost all of those games. As long as the Vikings can get Dalvin Cook going and establish the run this week they should be able to push the ball downfield to Jefferson.

The Patriots have allowed the 10th most sacks in the NFL this season and the Vikings enter tonight with a 6.88% sack rate on defense so as long as the Vikings can get to Mac Jones tonight and make him uncomfortable they should be able to leave tonight with a win.

Another Bet to Consider

I should preface this by saying this is a lean for me and probably won’t make it on my final card but if you don’t trust Kirk Cousins at all and don’t want to back him in primetime then Cousins to throw over .5 interceptions at (+100) could be a nice prop add to your card.

Cousins played in primetime against the Eagles on Monday Night Football earlier this year and threw three interceptions in the game. The game against the Bills wasn’t necessarily a primetime game but it was the game of the week and Cousins threw two interceptions in that one as well.

It pretty much comes down to whether or not a lot of eyes will be on the game because if there are it’s likely Cousins could throw a pick, even if they win the game. New England’s defense has come up with 11 interceptions this season so they do have a knack for creating turnovers. If the spread isn’t for you this game this bet is a nice alternative.