Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Arizona Cardinals (9-2) will try to extend their winning streak to seven games when they host the struggling Minnesota Vikings (8-4) in the Week 14 Thursday night game. Only the perfect Carolina Panthers have won more consecutive games in the NFC than the Cardinals, who have gone 3-3 against the spread during that stretch. The Vikings have lost two of their last three both straight up and ATS by an average of 24 points.

Point spread: Cardinals opened as seven-point favorites; the total was 45 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 33.1-13.0 Cardinals

Why the Vikings can cover the spread

Despite dropping two of three, Minnesota has played well away from home since falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener. The Vikings have won their last four road games SU and ATS, covering five in a row including a 23-20 loss to the Denver Broncos as seven-point underdogs on October 4.

Running back Adrian Peterson was not happy with getting a season-low eight carries for 18 yards in a 38-7 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week either. The last time he was underutilized, he totaled 31 yards on 10 carries against the 49ers and rebounded with a season-high-tying 29 carries for 134 yards in a 26-16 win over the Detroit Lions the following week.

Peterson’s ability to run the ball and move the chains at Arizona will determine whether or not his team covers here. You have to like his chances.

Why the Cardinals can cover the spread

The Cardinals have won 11 of their last 13 home games, including two straight since losing to the St. Louis Rams on October 4. They have played four of their past five on the road and should be extra motivated to be back at University of Phoenix Stadium for this prime-time matchup as one of three games there over the final four weeks.

Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer had to like what he saw of the Minnesota secondary last Sunday, too, surrendering 274 yards and three passing touchdowns to Seattle’s Russell Wilson. If Palmer can get his team off to a fast start through the air, the Vikings will likely have trouble keeping up and covering the spread since they rely more on Peterson’s legs than the arm of their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater.

Smart pick

Even though the Cardinals have won their last six games, it has not been easy, and they have also failed to cover three straight at home. Minnesota has won 10 of the past 12 meetings, too, with the underdog going 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven. For those reasons, take the Vikings to hang tough and cover the spread again.

Betting trends

• The Vikings are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games against the Cardinals.
• The Cardinals are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games at home.
• The Vikings are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games as road underdogs in December.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.