MNF Betting – Marquee Matchup – Desperate Vikings versus Juggernaut Jets

The MNF Betting world will be treated to a football slugfest between two of the best defenses in the NFL and two offenses that will get a boost from new receiving toys. Monday night’s game should provide a measuring stick as to where these team sit roughly a quarter of the way through the NFL season.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-2) vs. NEW YORK JETS (3-1)
Monday, October 11, 8:30 PM ET
Meadowlands Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Broadcast: ESPN

MNF Betting Lines:

Minnesota: +3 1/2 (-105)
NY Jets: -3 1/2 (-115)

Moneyline: Minnesota +160: NY Jets -190

Total: 39 points

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The Minnesota Vikings emerged from their bye week healthy and by all accounts, a better team than the one that went a disappointing 1-2 in the first three weeks of the season. Hopes are that a week of practice healed a few wounds and gave the lethargic offense time to gel. Surprisingly, the MNF Betting lines haven’t budged since the arrival of Randy Moss on the scene – the Jets are still favored.

The Minnesota offense sputtered out of the gate and much of the blame was directed at the fact that there was a lack of a deep threat for Mr. Favre. With Randy Moss in town, there are no more excuses. Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe have someone to draw a little attention away from them. Adrian Peterson is currently the team leader in receptions but not for long!

Adrian Peterson will still be the focal point of the Vikings offense and rightfully so. To expect a huge game against the league’s fourth ranked run defense may be a little optimistic however – the passing game will have to be solid.

Minnesota’s defense has been typically strong but is especially vulnerable against the pass this year. Minnesota currently ranks ninth against the run, allowing 87.3 yards per game and the pass defense is 23rd allowing 233.2 yards per game.

The New York Jets have made us all forget their Week 1 performance and are now the MNF Betting darlings that most expected that they would be. The defense is a surprisingly low 12th overall in the NFL (fourth against the run), but will be bolstered by a finally healthy Darrelle Revis and Calvin Pace this week.

The Jets offense has been the story of their season so far with Mark Sanchez exceeding expectations already. After a slowish start, Sanchez has tossed eight touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last three outings. Santonio Holmes, fresh off a four game suspension will certainly make the passing offense even better.

LaDainian Tomlinson looks like a new man this season and has become the Jets best option out of the backfield. Tomlinson ran for 133 yards last week and two touchdowns last week. Shonne Greene may be the best 2nd rushing option in the NFL.

MNF Betting Outlook:

Minnesota is 3-0 S/U and 2-0-1 ATS in the last three years following their bye. The Vikings are 0-5 S/U in their last five games on the road and 0-5 S/U in their last five games against the Jets. Minnesota is also 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

The New York Jets are 7-2 S/U in their last nine games and are just 3-8 ATS as home favorites.

With top defenses amped to strut their stuff on Monday night, this game has all the makings of a classic. Minnesota had some time to work out a few kinks but it likely won’t be enough against a Jets squad that is playing at an extremely high level right now. With Revis and Pace back in the fold, the Jets have a nearly impenetrable defense. I like them to shut down Adrian Peterson this week and to make Brett Favre wish that he was fishing in Mississippi.

MNF Betting Pick: New York Giants -3 ½