The Viking Age
FanSided

Betting the Minnesota Vikings against the spread is a profitable venture

By Adam Carlson

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) picks up a Tennessee Titans fumble and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Minnesota won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) picks up a Tennessee Titans fumble and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Minnesota won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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If you have been betting on the Minnesota Vikings to cover  the spread in recent seasons, you’re likely making a lot of money in Las Vegas.

These days, sports betting is everywhere. Whether you’re playing in fantasy football leagues, making wagers with your friends, or entering office pools, fans all over the league are eager to throw their money down when it comes to their favorite team, that includes the Minnesota Vikings.

However, there is one trend that was noticed by ForTheWin on USA Today that should have Vikings fans thinking about hitting those betting lines in Las Vegas and putting their money down on the boys in purple to cover the spread.

Over the years, Minnesota has become a hard team for analysts to figure out. Their strategy to win by running the football and using a tough defense has led to them being underdogs or having low estimates when it comes to offensive output.

That said, TeamRankings.com put together a chart of how the Minnesota Vikings have done against the spread each season. And yes, there is a definite trend. Check it out:

  • 2012: 50 percent
  • 2013: 56.2 percent
  • 2014: 62.5 percent
  • 2015: 82.3 percent
  • 2016: 100 percent (through 3 games)

USA Today was extremely impressed with this percentage, particular in recent years under the current coaching staff:

"“It all amounts to a 64.7 percent record against the spread (44-24-1) since 2012 — the best of any NFL team by four percent — which spikes to an incredible 75 percent under Zimmer’s tenure.”"

Interestingly enough, this applies when both the Vikings are favored to win or seen as underdogs going into the game. Also, the trend continues whether Minnesota is at home or on the road.

Right now, Oddsshark.com has the week 4 game between the Minnesota Vikings as 3.5 point favorites over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. That means that if the Vikings win by 4 points or more, the trend of beating the spread will continue.

Next: Full game-by-game 2016 Vikings season preview

Will you be laying down any of your hard-earned money on the Minnesota Vikings to cover the spread in week 4? And how long can the Vikings continue to exceed the expectations of betting lines before they are adjusted? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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