Yearly Record: 4-6
Jalen Hurts Any Time TD -115
While he didn’t have one last week vs New England, Hurts was a machine last season when it came to finding the end zone. In eight of the 12 games Hurts played in in 2022, he had at least one rushing touchdown. A stat that furthers my point that he’ll record one tonight is he had not one, but two rushing touchdowns against the Vikings last year. Unfortunate because I’m a Vikings fan, but solid for my betting metrics. Minnesota has a decent run defense, but Hurts is super physical when he rushes and is super elusive. I’m locking this play in for tonight.
T.J. Hockenson Any Time TD +245
One of the league’s best and most versatile tight ends is Minnesotas T.J. Hockenson. Even though he didn’t come down with a touchdown against Tampa Bay, he’s the Vikings top red zone threat. Against New England, one of the three passing touchdowns the Eagles allowed was to tight end Hunter Henry. The Eagles have good defensive backs, but their linebackers struggle in coverage. If Hockenson pulls a matchup with one of their linebackers, which I think he will, then he’ll have every opportunity to come down with a touchdown, especially when you consider the attention Justin Jefferson requires.
Alexander Mattison Under 50.5 Rushing Yards -125
The Eagles saw New England role out three different running backs in Week One. None of them went for over thirty yards. Alexander Mattison only tallied 34 yards on 11 carries against Tampa Bay — which is a less talented run defense than Philadelphias. Again, this hurts me because I’m a diehard Vikings fan, but I don’t think Mattison breaks that 50.5 threshold against a talented defensive line consisting of Brandon Graham, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, and Josh Sweat.
Justin Jefferson Longest Reception Over 27.5 Yards -115
I love this bet — like a lot. Last week, Jefferson’s longest reception went for 42 yards. In 2022, Jefferson had nine games where is longest reception went for over 27.5 yards. Darius Slay is a tough matchup, but as he ages more and Jefferson gains experience, he’ll have the upper hand in this battle. Minnesota loves to use play action to open up the pass game with crossers and this is where I think Cousins will hit Jefferson for a big gain, north of 27.5 yards.
Darius Slay Over 3.5 Tackles -125
Betting the over on a cornerbacks tackle total can be uncertain. But the Vikings throw the ball so much to the outside receivers that Philadelphias corners will be in for a full slate of work this evening. Darius Slay totaled only 3 tackles in week one vs the Patriots, but New England doesn’t push the ball as efficiently to their wideouts in the way Minnesota does with Jefferson. In Week One, both of Tampa’s starting corners had over 3.5 tackles. Jamal Dean tallied 5 and Carlton Davis III made 6 stops.