Vikings No Longer a Top 10 Super Bowl 53 Contender After Loss to Patriots
- Vikings tumble from to +3300 on Super Bowl odds following Week 13 loss to New England
- Minnesota maintains control of second NFC wild card despite current 2-3 run
- Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup in Seattle key to Vikings’ playoff hopes
The Minnesota Vikings are still hanging on to the second wild card in the NFC, but after dropping a 24-10 decision to the New England Patriots last weekend, they’ve seen their Super Bowl odds take a major hit. They’ve officially tumbled out of the top ten from +2400 to +3300 across a number of top online sportsbooks.
The Vikings have endured a roller coaster campaign in 2018 after marching to a 13-3 record and their second NFC North title in three years last season. After sputtering to a 1-2-1 start, Minnesota rebounded with three straight wins, but has since reverted to inconsistent form, alternating between wins and losses over its past four.
Super Bowl 53 Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | +300 |
| New Orleans Saints | +330 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | +550 |
| New England Patriots | +550 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | +1100 |
| Houston Texans | +1600 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +1600 |
| Chicago Bears | +1800 |
| Dallas Cowboys | +2500 |
| Seattle Seahawks | +2800 |
| Minnesota Vikings | +3300 |
Vikings Face Tough Road to Playoff Berth
Now faced with a difficult stretch run that features road dates in Seattle and Detroit, the Vikings are far from a lock to qualify for the NFL playoffs, let alone embark on a drive towards their first-ever Super Bowl title.
The #Vikings are still in the playoff picture, but it’s dicey. https://t.co/2YHFkwX2Jo pic.twitter.com/klZUvQEeK8
— Ted Social Distancing Glover (@purplebuckeye) December 5, 2018
The Vikings have produced disappointing results on the road this season, with their loss to the Patriots as 6-point underdogs dumping them to 2-3-1 SU in six dates away from US Bank Stadium.
Seahawks Dominant on Monday Night Football
Things get no easier in their upcoming Week 14 clash with the Seahawks on Monday Night Football as 3.5-point underdogs.
The Seahawks have averaged 33.33 points per game during a three-game win streak, and have scored 27 or more points in three of four home dates.
Seattle has looked very much like a playoff team during a 3-0 SU run that has lifted the squad past Minnesota in the NFC wild card race.
Led by quarterback Russell Wilson, who tossed four TD passes in last weekend’s 43-16 rout of the San Francisco 49ers as 10-point home chalk, the Seahawks have averaged 33.33 points per game during their current tear and have scored 27 or more points in three of four home dates.
Why has #Seahawks' pass protection suddenly gotten so much better? Why is Russell Wilson having his most efficient passing season of his career? Because of the run, run and more run https://t.co/729wBOMo8t @thenewstribune
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 5, 2018
While the 7-5 Seahawks still have work to do to bury the memory of their recent 2-6 SU slide on home turf, they have been dominant in Monday Night Football clashes at CenturyLink Field, claiming outright victories in eight of nine MNF appearances since 2006.
Control of Playoff Destiny at Stake in Seattle
In addition to their current two-game losing streak on the road, the Vikings have lost six of seven Monday night road dates, averaging just 9.4 points per game over their past five MNF appearances.
Point production has also been an issue during their current 2-3 SU run, with the Vikings, with the club averaging just over 12 points per game in those three defeats.
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The analysts on television can't help you. This calculator can.
— Kevin Quealy (@KevinQ) November 26, 2018
With a trio of 6-6 teams right on their heels in the NFC wild card race, a loss in Seattle this weekend would likely cost the Vikings control of their playoff destiny, and further diminish their Super Bowl odds.
Chicago, Dallas Formidable Wild Card Weekend Opponents
Should Minnesota hang on to a coveted wild card spot, their Week 17 clash with the Chicago Bears could prove to be a preview of what is to come on Wild Card Weekend. The Vikings saw a three-game win streak against Chicago ended with a 25-20 loss to the stingy Bears, and have now dropped nine of 11 matchups at Soldier Field.
The Vikings have now dropped nine of 11 matchups at Soldier Field.
A Wild Card Weekend date with the revitalized Dallas Cowboys provides Minnesota with no easier road. The Cowboys have been effective on both sides of the ball during a 4-0 SU run, and have shut down the Vikings in their past two visits to Dallas.
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
