Both the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles have had their share of bad luck in their long NFL histories. The Eagles last won the NFL title in 1960 before there was even a Super Bowl. The Vikings have long held the reputation for being chokers dating back to their four Super Bowl losses from 1969-76. In the 2017 NFL season the Vikings and Eagles began as afterthoughts with the American football betting public. They now enter the NFC Championship Game with a chance to re-write their histories.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Date and Time: Sunday, January 21, 2018, 6:40 pm Eastern
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NFL Betting Lines at SBG Global: Vikings -3, O/U 38
Vikings vs. Eagles TV Coverage: FOX
In his second season on the job, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has engineered a remarkable turnaround. The Eagles went from 7-9 straight up in Pederson’s first season last year to 13-3 straight up this year. They covered 10 out of their 16 regular season games with the NFL games odds. The Eagles won and covered their home divisional playoff game last week in a 15-10 payout against the Atlanta Falcons.
Quarterback Nick Foles posted a 100.1 quarterback rating in the win. The Eagles defense held the Falcons in check throughout the game. The Eagles have tremendous balance in that they rank third overall in the NFL for scoring offense and fourth for scoring defense.
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a strong 13-3 straight up season under fourth year head coach Mike Zimmer. It was the second NFC North title in three seasons for the Vikings. The Vikings covered the spread in 11 out of 16 regular season games this season.
Minnesota has the top defense in the NFL and a solid offense that ranks 10th in the NFL for scoring. Minnesota is coming off a spectacular 29-24 home win over the New Orleans Saints as Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs hooked up for a 61-yard touchdown pass on the game’s final play. Keenum had a good season and posted a 98.3 quarterback rating.
Key Stat
These two star-crossed franchises have the golden opportunity to reach Super Sunday for a shot at their first ever Super Bowl title. Which one of these teams can overcome their past and which is doomed to repeat heartbreak?
The Eagles have won straight up and covered six out of their last eight meetings with the Vikings. They have gone under the total in five out of their last seven meetings with the American Football betting odds. The Eagles have won straight up and covered seven out of their last eight home games against the Vikings. The Eagles had Vikings have gone under the total in their last four meetings at Lincoln Financial Field.
Vikings vs. Eagles Prediction
This matchup in the NFC Championship Game epitomizes a NFL season that has been full of surprises and upstart teams making unexpected runs. As the old adage goes, “defense wins championships” against the American football betting odds. This should be a low scoring game and that makes the points worth taking. I will go with the Eagles and the game under the total.
Online Football Betting Pick:
Philadelphia Eagles +3 and Under 38
Online Football Betting Score Prediction:
Eagles 20, Vikings 13