NFL Picks Against the Spread Week 1: Chargers Outrageously Overrated vs. Vikings

Sometimes Vegas outsmarts themselves.

They decided the San Diego Chargers should be favored by nine points over the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

Why?

The Chargers are a notoriously slow starting team that has lost two of their last three Week 1 contests.

Another big concern is stopping Adrian Peterson. One of the most consistent backs in the league ran for an NFL record 296 yards the last time he met the Chargers.

Yes, you read that correctly: AP RAN FOR A PRESTIGIOUS NFL RECORD IN HIS LAST GAME VS THE CHARGERS.

This is the point in the story where I remind you that the Chargers run defense was horrid against the run in the preseason. They ranked 27th, giving up an average of 142 yards. Sure, it was only the preseason, but it’s an area of concern entering the new year.

Sure, QB Phillip Rivers will likely throw for 300 yards against a weak Vikings secondary. But he won’t have many opportunities when the Vikings constantly have the ball. With Peterson expected to go wild, Minnesota will hold a large advantage in the time of possession department.

That’s the name of the game against the Chargers: keep the ball out of Rivers and the rest of the high-powered offense.

Vikings QB Donovan McNaabb won’t play his best game in Week 1, but the veteran has seen every situation the NFL has to offer and will not lose his poise. He’ll find a way to move the chains with a steady dose of Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian, or by tucking the ball and running himself.

Minnesota is a better team than people think, and getting spotted nine points against a team they match up well against is pure insanity.

Do yourself a favor and take advantage of the Vegas gaffe and make your bet on the Vikings to cover the nine-point spread.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikings take this game straight up.