Thursday Night Pick: Vikings vs. Buccanneers

It was a pretty solid week for me in week 7.  I was 8-5 ATS, with a very solid 1:00 going 6-2 ATS to start off Sunday strong. The Bears missed covering by a half point on Monday Night, which could have been the icing on the cake had they covered. The Vikings (-6.5) was my top play in week 7 and put me ahead nicely for the week. We start off Thursday Night Football with the very same team that came through for me in the clutch in week 7.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-5.5)

I’m loving the Vikings this year. They made me some money last week as they were my top pick — hence, the Percy Harvin image on the week 7 picks against the spread. The Vikings are now 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and 3-1 ATS at home.

The Bucs put up a hell of a fight against the Saints last week and nearly tied the game as time expired, but a penalty was called when a WR stepped out of the endzone and then came back into the endzone to catch a TD pass from Josh Freeman. The penalty whiped out the game-tying play and ended the game. Tough loss for the Bucs. The good news for the Bucs though is that their offense is starting to click and that could mean trouble for the Vikings tonight.

I thought the public would be favoring the Vikings in this one, but that’s not the case as 58% of the public likes the Bucs to cover. I’m expecting a tight game and would not recommend laying the points. I would consider taking the points, but I like the Vikings to win here in a tight one. The over/under is set at a low 43, which I see as an opportunity to tease down.

You can tease the total to over 36 and take Vikings (+1.5) or Bucs (+12.5) based on your preference — both picks will be winners in my opinion as I’m predicting a Vikings win by 3-4 points. These teams faced last year in Minnesota back on September 18 and the Bucs came out with a 24-20 win. I see the same final score, but the Vikings coming out on top this time around. My recommended play tonight would be the Vikings (+1.5)/Over 36, but Bucs (+12.5)/Over 36 is equally plausible. They both hit in my opinion as the Vikings should win by 1-11 points.

Prediction: Vikings 24 – Bucs 20

Pick Against the Spread: Bucs +5.5 (Confidence: 5/10)

Teaser: Vikings +1.5/Over 43 (Confidence: 7/10)