I will never play -3.5 on a favorite so if you wanted to buy this down to -2.5 ... but for our purposes we'll just do the moneyline. The Vikings are off their bye, healthy and unbeaten at home. They are first in average starting field position and second in opponent's average starting field position. Minnesota is plus-four in takeaways/giveaways, which ranks fifth in the NFL. The Vikes can slap former Cardinal Patrick Peterson on DeAndre Hopkins.

The Cardinals offense had a huge game with DeAndre Hopkins back last week -- or did it? He was basically the entire passing attack, and even a bad Minnesota D may be able to slow down this pass offense, as both units rank last in yards per play. The Vikings offense could have a huge day with two weeks to prepare, as the Cardinals defense was gashed by the Saints and only prevailed thanks to two pick-sixes, which were the difference in the game. The lookahead line was Vikings -6, and I didn't see nearly enough from the Cardinals to justify this big of a line move. In fact, I think Vikings -6 might've been right all along.

The Cardinals just gave up 409 yards, 34 points and 7.0 yards per play to a depleted Saints offense led by Andy Dalton. While Arizona capitalized on Dalton's interceptions, I don't think the Cards will have the same opportunities versus Kirk Cousins -- he's thrown two INTs in four home games. The Vikings are 5-1 under new coach Kevin O'Connell, an aggressive offensive mind, and they come off their bye. Look for Minnesota to get out to another early lead and cover.