Minnesota host New York tonight in a game neither side needs to win in terms of the post-season. Minnesota at 11-4 has locked up the NFC North title for the second year in a row but New York are out of the play-offs for the first time since 2004, having gone 8-7 to possess the best record outside the Wild Card spots. However, Minnesota may rest some of their key players and this could lead to an upset, as New York has no reason to do so.
The Vikings have been made favourites for the game on the money line at -400 (bet $400 to win $100 profit), leaving the Giants as underdogs at +350 (bet $100 to win $350 profit). Betting on the money line so far has focused mainly on the visitors, with 82% of money backing New York.
The point spread for the game has been set at nine points, making the Vikings favourites at -9 points and giving the Giants a handicap of +9 points. Betting against the spread has also favoured New York, with 74% of action backing the underdogs to beat the spot. Last time the teams met, however, it was Minnesota who came out on top, beating New York 20-19 in week seventeen of last season.
The Vikings have performed better on the field than they have against the spread, covering at 8-6-1 despite winning at 11-4. The Giants have done likewise, winning at 8-7 but only managing to cover the spread at 5-10.
The Over/Under line for the game is set at 47.5 points and betting so far has seen 57% of money backing the Over. This seems reasonable, as the teams combined have recorded nineteen Overs and eleven Unders in their combined thirty decisions this season.
The Vikings have slumped recently but are still among the favourites for the Super Bowl, priced at 14/1 for glory this season. However, they will need Brett Favre and crew to return to form in the post-season.
New York vs Minnesota betting odds
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