NFL WEEK 7 – Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Up is down is up in Pittsburgh, where the running game is in shambles and Ben Roethisberger and Hines Ward have become the most dangerous pass-catch combination in the league.
The defending Super Bowl champs have basically re-invented themselves on the fly after early-season losses losses to Chicago and Cincinnati put them in an early hole in the AFC North. Gone is the reliance on the power running game, replaced by Roethlisberger firing the ball all over the field.
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Time: Sunday 1:00 ET
Venue: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
MoneyLine: Vikings +170 (-110) / Steelers -210 (-110)
Spread: Steelers -4 (-110)
Over/Under: 45
Pittsburgh has three straight wins, and while they haven’t exactly come against the iron of the league (San Diego, Cleveland and Detroit), the victories have calmed everyone down in western Pennsylvania and moved the Steelers into a tie for the division lead heading into Sunday’s battle with undefeated Minnesota.
With Willie Parker seemingly in a fade pattern (just 7 carries for 26 yards last week vs. the Browns), Pittsburgh has taken the choke chain off the offense. The result: a total of 93 points in the three-game win streak, with Roethlisberger now leading the league in passing yards (Peyton Manning has played 5 games to Roethlisberger’s 6) and Ward leading the league in receiving yards.
Since the Vikings have one of the best defensive fronts in captivity and Minnesota’s secondary is a bit banged up, don’t expect things to change much Sunday.
The Vikings’ main concern right now seems to be the health of top-flight cornerback Antoine Winfield, who injured an ankle last week against Baltimore and has been walking gingerly in practice this week. If the team knows if Winfield will play Sunday, it isn’t saying.
Minnesota has beaten back all comers, and with the Bears and Packers treading water, Vikings fans are starting to think about running away and hiding in the NFC North. Minnesota victories over Pittsburgh this Sunday and Green Bay on Nov. 1 will go a long way toward hardening the cement in the division.
No matter how you feel about Brett Favre, he deserves credit for helping put points on the board. The Vikings have scored no fewer than 27 points in a game this season, and have been the most consistent offensive team in the league, averaging almost 32.
Minnesota’s quick start seems to validate Brad Childress’s humiliating bowing down to Favre before the season, and it looks like Childress – fortunate to keep his job after last season’s playoff ouster last January – will soon be signing a long-term contract. Say this for Childress – he knows what side the bread is buttered.
Pittsburgh fans are hoping the Favre and the Vikes will spend at least some time thinking of Favre Bowl II, Nov. 1 in Green Bay. But the Steelers might have some focus issues of their own – after Minnesota they travel to Denver, then return home for another dogfight with the Bengals.
Comment on this game below, hit us with your pregame NFL picks and predictions…
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Lawrence Paul is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog, and is a free-lance gambling and travel expert from Massachusetts.
One reply on “Week 7 NFL Spreads: Vikings vs. Steelers”
Well I have a few comments on the Vikings game this week. They are 6-0 and have been playing really good Football. However, if they plan to beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field, they must prepare for some heavy blitz packages. Is Favre washed up? Can he really run from a Steel Curtain D? Considering both defences rely heavily on the front 4, the O line for the Vikes will be busy bees this weekend.
I am a huge Vikes fan, but have no bias bones in me. This will be the toughest challenge of their season. Basically if I was to make a bold prediction, I would say that the game will be won by a late field goal. Which team? Tune in and find out. The Vikes will be in better shape if Winfield can go at corner. Without him, they will be in hot water. The forecast calls for sunny conditions, so they should be ready for an epic battle. Ok I will call it, 23-21 Pitt. A late 39 yard fg by Reed will give the Vikes their first loss of the year. Im out for now. AP ALL DAY 28 and counting. Jared Allen for MVP???
Jamie from Hamilton Ontario Canada
PS FAVRE4PRESIDENT!!