The Vikings’ defense has been amazing this season, but I haven't seen enough out of their offense to recommend laying -4.5. Love them as dogs, but not as the favorite against a respectable team. The Vikings have a plus-8 turnover ratio and the offense has been bailed out in every game with those turnovers. The conservative offense is going to catch up with them soon, and the Giants can force the issue. Look for the Giants to score more than Minnesota is used to, and for the pace of the game to be fast. Let's go Over 42.5.

The Monday Night Football games features a pair of top-five defensive units. The Vikings have held opposing offenses to just 13.3 points per game. They held the Packers to 14 and limited a Panthers club that led the league in scoring last year to 10. The Giants are third in total defense and have limited opponents to 20.3 ppg. Look for both units to get their share of stops and force turnovers. I think the spread is a tight call, but I'll support the Under on this meager total in what rates to be a low-scoring battle.

Trading for Sam Bradford was mocked throughout the NFL and amongst football fans. Yet, the Vikings were seeking someone capable of being a game manager while relying upon their defense. That's exactly what Bradford has done, with huge wins against the Packers and Panthers. New York, on the other hand, could easily be in the same position as the Vikings at 3-0. But there's a personnel disparity between these two teams and it's one-sided with the Vikings. Lay the points with Vikings, whose disciplined style on both sides of the football will be too much for the Giants.

The Giants let one slip away last week at home against the Redskins, but you saw what their offense could be. This week they face arguably the NFL's top defense. The Vikings have done a great job forcing turnovers, and they're getting solid play from QB Sam Bradford. But you have to wonder when the inconsistent Bradford shows up. Plus, this Giants' defense is pretty good in its own right. Grab the points.

Wins over the Packers and Panthers have many penciling in the Vikings as the NFC's Super Bowl representative. This is the "pump the brakes" week. The Vikings' defense has been outstanding, but the team has gotten nothing out of its running game, and the offense has managed just three touchdowns while ranking 28th in points per drive. Minnesota's O-line is a weakness, and that could be trouble against the Giants' front four. The Giants' offense is on track to boast three 1,000-yard receivers, and that collection of weapons should help Eli Manning move the ball and score enough points.