Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

It hasn't been the year that either the Arizona Cardinals or Minnesota Vikings expected it to be.

Both teams brought in new quarterbacks, were excited for a new future, but now both teams find themselves up the standing in their divisions to where they hoped to be before the season began.

There weren't many teams that came into 2011 with the optimism that the Cardinals did. They had a great draft and made a blockbuster trade to secure Kevin Kolb, their supposed quarterback of the future.

Despite all that optimism though, they head to Minnesota with a 1-3 record. Kolb has looked terrible so far throwing only five touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

Unfortunately for the 0-4 Vikings, it's not like they're any better. They took a shot on Christian Ponder early in the 2011 draft, but brought in veteran and former All-Pro quarterback Donovan McNabb to take a shot at leading the team.

Nobody knew what to expect out of McNabb, but I think everyone was certainly expecting much more than 65-of-111 for four touchdowns two interceptions and only 680 yards so far.

Luckily for both of these teams, by rule somebody does have to win.

Where: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN

When: Sunday Oct. 9. 1 p.m EST

Watch: Fox, DirecTV 710, NFL RedZone

Spread: Minnesota Vikings -3

Right now unless you're a super-fan or crazy, it's very hard for the Vikings to hold on and cover anything. 

Over/Under: 45.5 

If the Vikings want to win they are going to run the ball. If the Cardinals want to win they have to control the ball. Either way, I don't see a ton of points being scored in this game.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries

Arizona Did Not Practice 10/6: Tight end Jim Dray (pectoral), tight end Todd Heap (hamstring), punter Dave Zastudil (knee).

Minnesota Did Not Practice 10/6: Center John Sullivan (ankle), punter  Chris Kluwe  (hamstring), cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck).

Fantasy Big Plays

Adrian Peterson, RB Vikings: As I alluded to earlier, if the Vikings have any shot at winning this game they need to constantly give it to Adrian Peterson. I think he's going to get a ton of looks and make the most of his opportunities.

Chris Wells, RB Cardinals: I would consider sitting Wells this week. He had a great game last week, but the Vikings run defense is one of their strengths.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR Cardinals: Right now Fitzgerald and Peterson are on the same boat. If their teams want to win, than they will get the ball as much as possible. That means fantasy points for your team.

Keys To Cardinals Win

The Vikings seem to give up in the second half, so I think the Cardinals need to come out strong after halftime. No matter what happens in the first half, make it a point to go to Larry Fitzgerald early and often in the second.

Keys To Vikings Win

Give the ball to Adrian Peterson as much as possible. For some reason the coaching staff seems to feel that going to Peterson is too predictable, but the truth is nobody can stop him. He's the most gifted physical player on the field in this matchup and he needs to carry this team.

Prediction

As disappointing as the Cardinals have been, I absolutely cannot trust Donovan McNabb and the Vikings.

Cardinals: 17 Vikings: 13