Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings: betting preview, free NFL picks

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings in Week Eight of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Thursday night

Best bet

Over 86.5 Dalvin Cook rushing yards
3pts 5-6 Sky Bet

Match preview

The first half of the season cannot be regarded as anything but pretty disastrous for Washington.

They have already parted company with head coach Jay Gruden, lost their best offensive player Jordan Reed to injury after multiple concussions and their only victory came against winless Miami, who missed a two-point conversion that would have got them over the line.

Last week, they became only the second team in 25 years to cover a handicap without scoring a point when they fell to a 9-0 loss to San Francisco after the heavens opened in Maryland.

It is little surprise then. that they have been chalked up as 16-point underdogs for their trip to Minnesota, who have made a fine start with five wins from their opening seven outings.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown 13 touchdown passes and looks to be in excellent form as he heads into a clash with his former team.

And the fact the Vikings are ranked sixth in both total offence and total defence suggests they are capable of staying in touch with NFC North leaders Green Bay, who have claimed six wins from their opening seven encounters.

Washington will at least not have to worry about the weather underneath the US Bank Stadium roof and there are no guarantees that Minnesota will rack up a huge margin of victory, especially as there is a good chance star receiver Adam Thielen will be ruled out with a hamstring injury.

But the Redskins have struggled against the run for much of the season and that points to a productive evening for Vikings running back Dalvin Cook.

He is the leading rusher in the league with a total of 725 yards and has posted at least 110 yards on the ground in his seven games.

Cook was at his explosive best with 142 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 42-30 win over Detroit and a rushing line of 86.5 looks potentially modest, especially if Thielen is ruled out.

For more American sports analysis and free picks, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Washington +16
Vegas points line 42

Team news

Washington
Tight end Vernon Davis is rated doubtful with concussion. Cornerback Josh Norman, running back Adrian Peterson and safety Montae Nicholson are rated questionable.

Minnesota
Wide receiver Adam Thielen could miss the game as he struggles with a hamstring injury. Linebacker Ben Gedeon (concussion) is also rated questionable.

Key stat

Washington have won just one of their last nine games.

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