Vikings vs Browns Odds - Peterson will be too much for Browns
Minnesota’s online betting odds changed when Brett Favre arrived, but the key to the Vikings’ NFL Week 1 odds rest squarely on the shoulders of last year’s leading rusher, who is looking to take advantage of a Cleveland run defense that looks no better than it did in 2008.
Vikings vs Browns Odds: Vikings -3
- WHAT: NFL betting action
- WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- KEY STAT: Minnesota beat Cleveland 24-12 at home in 2005
- PICK: Minnesota
Vikings vs Browns Odds maker breakdown: Offense
NFL betting players are wondering if a 39-year-old Brett Favre will really help Minnesota, but the reality is this: he only needs to be decent, and avoid picks for the Vikings to be successful. They have the league’s best running back in Adrian Peterson, and rookie Percy Harvin should cause matchup problems all over the field. After the third week of the preseason, the Browns still hadn’t decided on Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson as the starting quarterback. Kellen Winslow left for Tampa Bay, leaving the drop-prone Braylon Edwards as the only dependable receiver, but rookie James Davis could be a solid backup for running back Jamal Lewis. Betting Edge: Minnesota
Vikings vs Browns Odds maker breakdown: Defense
Minnesota had one of the league’s best defenses last year, but the loss of safety Darren Sharper takes a veteran presence away from the secondary. The Browns were 26th in the NFL in defense, and didn’t look any better in the preseason. The rushing defense was 28th, which means Peterson must be salivating to get on the field against Cleveland, who also lost linebacker Andra Davis to Denver. Betting Edge: Minnesota
Vikings vs Browns Odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Harvin could be the next Devin Hester on the return threat, as the ex-Florida star has the ability to score whenever he touches the ball. This is a boost to the Vikings, who ranked no higher than 24th in returns last year. Kicker Phil Dawson may be Cleveland’s most consistent scoring threat, but Minnesota counterpart Ryan Longwell is a little better. Betting Edge: Minnesota
Vikings vs Browns Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
There are no major injuries on either side to report, just some niggling injuries that should be fine with a week of rest. Betting Edge: Draw
Vikings vs Browns betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Favre couldn’t have asked for many other teams to make him look good in his regular-season debut, and his 113.4 rating in three meetings against the Browns is second only to Indianapolis in Favre’s career. But if the Vikings are smart, they’ll ride Peterson to the victory as the Browns have yet to prove they can stop the run. The three-point spread will be easily covered in your offshore sportsbook. STAN’S PICK: Minnesota
For more sports betting odds and props for the first week of the NFL season, visit our sportsbook, and for more on the Vikings vs Browns matchup, check out our stats section. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
