Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Redskins: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings clash with the Washington Redskins this week, and recent developments have altered what's at stake in this game.

Instead of the Redskins knowing they will have their choice between Matt Barkley and Robert Griffin III to select in the first round, it appears only RGIII will be available, as Barkley is retuning to USC for his senior season. This game has no playoff implications, so draft position and pride is all that is at stake.

The Vikings are only one game above the Colts for the worst record in the NFL. Obtaining it could be huge for Minnesota, as they already selected Christian Ponder this past NFL draft, so they could feasibly trade their pick to a team salivating over Andrew Luck.

Let's check out the specifics on this NFC matchup.

When: Saturday, Dec 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD

Watch: FOX

Listen:  Minnesota Vikings KFAN-AM (1130) Washington Redskins: ESPN Radio WTEM 980 

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: 

Washington is currently 6.5-point favorites, according to Bodog.com. The Redskins defense and the recent play of Rex Grossman makes them the clear favorites here, as well as being at home.

The Vikings have the type of pass rush that can be very disruptive, but the line is understandable, considering.

What's At Stake?

The draft placement is what is primarily at stake. There is some talk about job security for Leslie Frazier, but I think he will get one more shot at success next season. It is important for the Vikings to finish up with a good effort, and it starts with this game.

For the Redskins, no matter what Grossman does, the Redskins will still be looking for a QB in the draft, so he may be auditioning for a new team. 

Vikings Injury Report

Asher Allen	CB	Concussion	Did Not Participate In Practice
Steve Hutchinson	G	Concussion	Did Not Participate In Practice
Erin Henderson	LB	Illness	Limited Participation in Practice
Anthony Herrera	G	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice
Jarrad Page	S	Hamstring	Limited Participation in Practice
Kevin Williams	DT	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice
Chris Cook	CB	Not Injury Related	Out (Definitely Will Not Play)

Redskins Injury Report 

Stephen Bowen	DE	Knee	Full Participation in Practice
Saverio Rocca	P	left Ankle	Full Participation in Practice
Josh Wilson	CB	Head	Full Participation in Practice
Jammal Brown	T	Groin	Limited Participation in Practice
London Fletcher	LB	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice
Roy Helu	RB	Toe	Limited Participation in Practice
Mike Sellers	RB	Elbow	Limited Participation in Practice

Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, Sleeper 

Start: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

AP played last week without injury incident, and should be a go for this week as well. Peterson obviously has fantasy football owners in mind—compound that with the fact that the Vikings' passing game has been especially erratic lately with Ponder.

AP should get more than the 10 carries he got last week, and produce a 100-yard performance.

Sit: Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota

The Redskins can really rush the passer with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. Ponder figures to be on the move a lot with the Vikings' questionable pass-blocking. This sounds like a recipe for bad decisions and picks from the rookie QB.

Sleeper: Roy Helu, RB, Washington

Helu had a streak of three straight 100-yard performances broken last week, but he could very well return to that form against the Vikings. Minnesota is 10th against the run, but this could easily be a great all-purpose day for Helu, who has 47 receptions for 331 yards this year as well. 

What They're Saying 

Joseph White, a Redskins beat-writer for ESPN980, said this of Grossman's turnover problem:

"

Rex Grossman has thrown at least one interception in 10 straight starts, which means he's spent 10 straight starts having to explaining what happened—and then shaking it off.

"

Rex has the mentality of a streaky 3-point shooter. Only problem is, misses in basketball aren't as costly as misses and interceptions in football.

Vikings head coach said this about concussions in relation to Asher Allen:

"

You have to trust the people that are there, as well as someone from the NFL and the league office that'll hopefully help things with the concussions that happen in our league.

"

The Vikings have been hit especially hard with concussions with both Allen and Steve Hutchinson out after taking blows to the head. 

Vikings Player to Watch

Christian Ponder really needs to shine so that the Vikings don't view their QB spot as a spot that they aren't settled upon. With the team having the ability to possibly draft as high as second overall, they could draft almost any QB they want out of this draft. 

Redskins Player to Watch

Rex Grossman is trying to show teams he can produce without constantly turning the ball over. Grossman has thrown 18 INTs to only 13 TDs, so the way he finishes will have a lot to do with where he'll play next season.  

Key Matchup 

Rex Grossman versus the Vikings' much-maligned secondary. If Grossman can take care of the ball and play smart, the Redskins will win. The only way they lose is if Grossman turns the ball over. This matchup is the key to the game. 

On the Hot Seat 

There is some talk as I said, about Frazier. I think he is on the hot seat, but so is Christian Ponder. Even if the Vikings lose, he needs to make good decisions and give his team a chance to win. 

Prediction 

The Redskins should win this game. I have watched the Redskins play over the past two weeks, and I wonder how they ended up 5-9. The answer is a lack of stability at the QB position. Luckily, they have the 30th-ranked pas defense in the NFL this week, which should alleviate some pressure.

Redskins 20, Vikings 10