Vikings vs Colts Odds - Game means more to Minnesota
The Vikings vs Colts odds may only be a preseason football betting matchup, but you can bet plenty of eyes will tune in and watch the game intently. According to many fans’ predictions, Minnesota and Indianapolis could end up representing their respective conferences at Super Bowl XLIV.
Vikings vs Colts odds: If Minnesota lets Percy Harvin run wild, look out
- WHO: Minnesota Vikings (-1) vs Indianapolis Colts
- WHAT: NFL betting odds
- WHEN: Friday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
- KEY STAT: Minnesota was 6-10 against the spread in 2008
- PICK: Vikings
Team vs Team odds maker breakdown: Offense
In regular-season betting, the offensive edge in the Vikings vs Colts odds would go to the more versatile Indianapolis. However, the preseason is more about figuring out which team will start better players or more first-string players, and the Vikings should be that team. The Colts’ key offensive starters – Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez , Dallas Clark and arguably Joseph Addai – have nothing to prove. The only significant guy who could see a decent amount of reps is first-round pick Donald Brown at tailback.
The Vikings, however, have plenty to figure out. Who will start at quarterback – Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels? Can dynamic rookie Percy Harvin win a starting job in a Reggie-Bush-like hybrid role? They’re more likely to give their top skill players extra series as they try to iron out their starting lineup.
Betting Edge: Vikings
Team vs Team odds maker breakdown: Defense
Interestingly enough, it seems these teams are perfectly designed to stop each other’s strengths. The Colts’ pass defense must battle the league’s top run defense, while the Vikings’ outstanding running game matches up against an underrated Indy pass defense. The Vikings seemed better equipped to shut down their opponents; Indy obviously won’t take risks with Peyton Manning and backup Jim Sorgi is nursing an injury, meaning the Vikings’ pass rushers are licking their chops at the chance to terrorize third-string pivot Curtis Painter. With Bob Sanders out, the Colts may even have to rest their second-string safeties, so their pass defense will be nowhere near full strength.
Betting Edge: Vikings
Team vs Team odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Maurice Hicks and Chester Taylor were already adequate in the return game, but now Percy Harvin joins the mix. The Vikings obviously want to be careful with him, but don’t surprised if they unleash him for a while. He alone gives the Vikings the special teams edge at the offshore sportsbook.
Betting Edge: Vikings
Team vs Team odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Minnesota’s Tarvaris Jackson is reportedly ready to go, but I wouldn’t expect more than a few snaps for a guy returning from an MCL sprain. Sanders is out for Indy and Donald Brown has missed time to “rest,” but should probably play Friday. Because Jackson’s injury makes it more likely that John David Booty will get the bulk of Minnesota’s snaps, Indy gets the edge.
Betting Edge: Colts
Team vs Team Odds maker breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Colts are notorious for being cautious in the preseason, so why should that change? They know what they have and won’t push their starters to play too much. The Vikings need to figure out their quarterback situation and may take Harvin for a test drive all over the field, so they look better prepared to win.
STAN’S PICK: Vikings -1
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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?
