Two of the best teams in the NFL will put everything on the line in the early hours of Tuesday morning when the Minnesota Vikings host the Buffalo Bills at the U.S. Bank Stadium.
Both Buffalo and Minnesota sit at the top of their respective divisions with 6-1 records, but neither team can afford to rest on their laurels.
Buffalo have the New England Patriots breathing down their necks, while Minnesota are one of four teams in the NFC North with winning records.
An injury to Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray last week saw the odds swing in Buffalo's direction and that looks to be a decisive factor for the Bills, even on the road.
Minnesota Vikings v Buffalo Bills Betting Tips
Best Bet - Buffalo Bills -3.5 @ 21/20
Alternative Bet - Under 44.5 Points @ 10/11
Bet Builder - James Cook Over 79.5 Rushing Yards, Josh Allen Over 29.5 Rushing Yards, Carson Wentz Over 207.5 Passing Yards @ 47/10
Minnesota Vikings v Buffalo Bills Prediction
Best Bet: Buffalo Bills -3.5 @ 21/20
The Vikings lost their unbeaten record last week against the Detroit Lions, losing 19-15, with Murray going down injured during that game.
Buffalo beat the Baltimore Ravens 36-10, with the Ravens losing Lamar Jackson to a thumb injury in that clash.
For the second week in a row, Buffalo should be able to capitalise on injuries to the opposition. Buffalo have averaged 33.3 points per game this season, the most in the NFL, and Minnesota should struggle to keep pace.
Even with Murray fit, Minnesota have only scored 20.0 points per game, the sixth-worst return in the NFL.
The Vikings have not scored more than 23 points for six successive weeks and that lack of firepower should help Buffalo get the job done on the spread.
Alternative Bet: Under 44.5 Points @ 10/11
Most of Buffalo's games this season have been enthralling battles and the over is 5-2 in their opening seven matches.
The Bills offence is electric and scores points for fun, and their defence is not very good at stopping explosive plays.
However, with Minnesota the opponent, the outcome should be very different. The under is 6-1 in Vikings contests this season and Minnesota have only conceded 13.3 points per game, the best return in the NFL.
Brian Flores, the Vikings defensive coordinator, is a master at taking away the biggest threat from the opposition and he can reduce some of Buffalo's potential on offence this week.
Minnesota Vikings v Buffalo Bills Bet Builder Tip
James Cook Over 79.5 Rushing Yards
Josh Allen Over 29.5 Rushing Yards
Carson Wentz Over 207.5 Passing Yards
Pays @ 47/10
The Vikings defence is the best in the NFL in points conceded per game, but they have not been that effective against the run.
Minnesota are 17th in that category and have given up 4.5 yards per attempt so far.
That bodes well for Buffalo pair James Cook and Josh Allen. Running back Cook has averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season and has 707 yards through seven games.
He has attained 75 yards in six consecutive games but has passed 100 in three of those, and should have another big night at the office.
Quarterback Josh Allen might not be as effective through the air, but he is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL and can use his legs to give Buffalo more momentum.
Allen has already secured 270 rushing yards in seven matches, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is going to have his work cut out as he steps in for Murray, but he will likely need to let rip in order to keep his team in the game.
Wentz has played twice so far and completed 59 per cent of his passes for 275 yards. The veteran is a more than capable backup, and while it should be hard for him to lead Minnesota to a win, he should be able to rack up the passing yards against this defence.
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Key Match Stats
The Buffalo Bills are 6-1 for the season and are unbeaten in three games
The Minnesota Vikings are 6-1 for the campaign, having lost for the first time last week to the Detroit Lions
Minnesota have conceded 13.3 points per game, the best total in the NFL
Buffalo have scored the most points per game on offence with 33.3
The over is 5-2 in Bills games so far this season
The under is 6-1 in Vikings matches this season
Tactics, Form and Team News
A hamstring injury has ruled Murray out for the Vikings, and he is joined on the sidelines by Jauan Jennings and Demond Claiborne, while Theo Jackson and Jay Ward are listed as questionable.
Buffalo tackle Dion Dawkins is a doubt for the game after missing practice all week with a rib injury, while Alec Anderson, Greg Gaines and Jordan Hancock are also listed as questionable.
Wide receiver Josh Palmer has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Read more NFL betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
