Vikings vs. Panthers prediction, odds, spread, injuries, trends for NFL Week 4

A full betting preview for this NFC matchup of winless team, the Minnesota Vikings and the Carolina Panthers.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Last season, the Minnesota Vikings only lost four games and this year they’re already up to three losses. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings fell to 0-3 after Cousins threw a last second interception in the end zone in a 28-24 loss to the Chargers. Minnesota still has a chance to get into the win column because they have another winless team on the schedule. 

The Carolina Panthers didn’t have their No. 1 pick Bryce Young in Week 3, so Andy Dalton took the loss against Seattle. The Bears are certainly happy to have Carolina’s draft pick this season because Carolina looks very bad heading into Week 4. 

For a look around the league in Week 4 check out BetSided NFL betting expert Iain MacMillan’s “Road to 272” where he bets every game of the season. If you’re betting any or every NFL game this week, you can do it with this great promo from the FanDuel Sportsbook. Just sign up below and bet $5 to claim $200 in bonus bets, win or lose. 

Now, here's a look at the odds for this NFC matchup of 0-3 teams. 

Vikings vs. Panthers odds, spread and total 

Panthers vs. Vikings Betting Trends

  • Panthers are 0-2-1 ATS
  • The UNDER is 2-1 in Panthers games
  • Vikings are 0-2-1 ATS
  • The UNDER is 2-1 in Vikings games

Vikings vs. Panthers injury reports

Vikings injury report

  • Garrett Bradbury - C - day-to-day (back)
  • Marcus Davenport - LB - day-to-day (ankle)
  • Jalen Nailor - WR - out indefinitely (hamstring)
  • Olisaemeka Udoh - G - IR (quadricep)

Panthers injury report

  • Frankie Luvu - LB - day-to-day (hip)
  • Xavier Woods - S - day-to-day (hamstring)
  • Jonathan Mingo - WR - day-to-day (concussion)
  • Bryce Young - QB - day-to-day (ankle)
  • Shaq Thompson - LB - IR (leg)
  • Stephen Sullivan - TE - IR (hip)
  • Jaycee Horn - CB - IR (hamstring)

Vikings vs. Panthers how to watch

  • Date: Sunday, October 1
  • Time: 1:00 PM EST
  • Venue: Bank of America Stadium
  • How to Watch (TV): FOX
  • Vikings Record: 0-3
  • Panthers Record: 0-3

Vikings vs. Panthers key players to watch

Vikings

Alexander Mattison, RB: The Vikings thought that just because Mattison was Dalvin Cook’s doppelganger, that he’d be just as productive. That hasn’t really been the case and Mattison is averaging just 4.0 yards per carry and 51.7 yards per game as the feature back in this offense. The Vikings are 31st in rushing offense. 

Panthers

Adam Thielen, WR: When the Panthers traded away DJ Moore, somebody had to become their No. 1 receiver. That somebody is Adam Thielen who has 20 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns this year. With Andy Dalton at quarterback in Week 3, Thielen went for 145 yards and a touchdown on 11 grabs. 

Vikings vs. Panthers prediction and pick

After going 11-0 in one-score games last season the Vikings are now 0-3 in one-score games this season. We all knew that regression was coming for Minnesota, but I’m not sure anyone knew it would hit this hard and this early. The Vikings actually still have a good offense, so at some point they’re going to win a couple of games. 

The Vikings are third in yards per game and second in yards per play at 6.5. The biggest issue that they’re having is turnovers. That’s the only way you can be second in yards per game and 17th in points per game. 

Minnesota is averaging 2.3 fumbles and 0.7 interceptions a game. That’s just far too often to give the ball away, but fumble luck is random and the Vikings are actually due for some positive regression in that department. 

The Panthers are 29th in yards per play at 4.6 and have the 22nd ranked passing offense despite attempting the second most passes. As a team they’re completing 58.9% of their passes. With Andy Dalton against the Seahawks the offense was better and gained 5.0 yards per play, but that’s still far from good enough to keep pace with Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. 

The Vikings are 2-7-1 against the spread in their last 10 games, but their offensive statistics are undeniable and they’ll get a win and cover this week in Carolina. 

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE


Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change