NFL Week 8: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview

One of the big surprises in Dallas’ 2020 season was their trip to Minneapolis to take on the Vikings on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Dak Prescott was still out with a fractured ankle, and the team had shuffled through Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert at quarterback; Dalton was the primary backup but had suffered a concussion and a case of COVID-19. The Cowboys came out of the bye, with Dalton returning, and he had a huge day on offense, leading the Cowboys to a shocking 31-28 win over a Vikings team whose defense was subpar all of last season. This week, Dallas returns to Minnesota to take on the Vikings again, this time with a 5-1 record and a head of steam. Can the Vikings take advantage of what might be another backup quarterback situation for Dallas, or will the Cowboys take advantage of a Minnesota team that is inconsistent on both sides of the ball?

Don’t miss our NFL betting preview of this Sunday prime time tilt.

NFL Preview: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, October 31)

When: Sunday, October 31, 2021, 8:20 pm ET
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: NBC
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: Hulu
NCAA Odds: Dallas -2.5 / O/U 53 // Dallas +120 / Minnesota -140

Why should you bet on the Cowboys?

Dallas’ defense has been outstanding in terms of takeaways, and Minnesota’s offensive inconsistencies could play into their hands. In two games, Minnesota has failed to score 20 points, including a seven-point performance against Cleveland. In three of their other games, though, they cracked 30 points. It really depends on which version of Kirk Cousins shows up to lead the offense this time around. Dallas is still somewhat vulnerable against the deep ball.

On offense, Dallas leads the NFL in points per game (34.2) and yards gained per game (460.8). If Dak Prescott is able to play, the Cowboys will be a tough team to put away. What has helped Prescott is the rebirth of the Dallas running game. Through six contests, Ezekiel Elliott has run for 521 yards and Tony Pollard has picked up 366. Both are on pace to break the 1,000-yard barrier; the last team to have two tailbacks hit that mark was the Carolina Panthers, when Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams both went over 1,100 yards in 2009.

Why should you put your money on the Vikings?

Minnesota’s defense has 21 sacks this season, tied for the league lead and just two away from the total that the Vikings posted in all of 2020. Dallas’ offensive line has gone through some injuries, but with La’el Collins returning from suspension, the Cowboys should have the talent and depth to keep opening up holes for the running game and providing protection for Prescott (or for his backup, Cooper Rush).

You can read more below about Prescott’s situation. Another factor helping the Vikings is their running game, led by Dalvin Cook. If the Vikings’ offensive line can build some rhythm and Cook and find holes, then this game becomes much more of a toss-up, even with Prescott on for Dallas. If the Vikings can grind out some sustained drives, then this game gets a lot more even.

Final Score and Betting Prediction

This line started at Dallas -1 before shifting 3 ½ points the other way. The primary reason for this shift is the uncertainty about Dak Prescott’s calf injury that he suffered two weeks ago in the overtime win over New England. Prescott did take part in more running in practice on Thursday, but his status has not yet been determined. If he can’t go, backup Cooper Rush would run the offense. Rush has almost no experience in regular-season games, so don’t expect much in the way of offense if he has to take the field. I would not put any money on this game until we hear something definitive about Prescott’s status. With Prescott in, I foresee a conservative approach and a 20-16 Dallas win. With Prescott out, I see the Vikings loading the box and taking advantage of Jerry Jones’ cheap approach to the backup quarterback position, winning 27-10.

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Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings : Bet the Game Today

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