NFL Picks: Week 4 Vikings vs Panthers

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In Week 4 of NFL action, a losing streak will end as the Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Here’s a unique and concise preview of the game along with a pick and prediction.

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Vikings -3.5 (-110), Panthers +3.5 (-110) 

Moneyline: Vikings -190, Vikings +153 

Total: O 45.5 (-110), U 45.5 (-110) 

The Winless Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are still in search of their first win this season and aim to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2011 when they managed only 3 wins all year. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been efficient, completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,075 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Key targets include Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who have combined for 643 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, and T.J. Hockenson with 23 receptions.

In the ground game, the Vikings have struggled, averaging just 66.3 yards per contest, with Alexander Mattison leading the way with 155 yards on 39 carries. On the defensive side, Minnesota has allowed an average of 27.3 points and 382.3 yards per game. Defensive leaders include Camryn Bynum with 31 tackles, Danielle Hunter with 5 sacks, and Theo Jackson with 1 interception. Historically, the Vikings have faced challenges, losing their last three games as favorites and failing to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games.

Carolina Panthers Have Yet to Taste Victory

The Carolina Panthers are also in search of their first win this season, hoping to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2010 when they managed just 2 wins all season. Quarterback Andy Dalton has completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 361 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Key receiving targets include Adam Thielen and DJ Chark Jr., who have combined for 312 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, along with Hayden Hurst contributing with 9 receptions.

In the ground game, the Panthers have shown some strength, averaging 99.3 yards per contest, with Miles Sanders leading the way with 139 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Carolina has allowed an average of 27 points and 329 yards per game. Defensive leaders include Derrick Brown with 20 tackles, Brian Burns with 3 sacks, and Deion Jones with 1 interception. Historically, the underdogs have found success in the Panthers’ last six Week 4 games, but Carolina has struggled to cover the spread in seven of their last home games in October.

Prediction

The Minnesota Vikings, with their talent, are expected to secure a win in this game, but their 0-3 start raises questions. While they had opportunities to win against the Chargers last week, they couldn’t close the deal. Issues with running the ball and a defense ranked 26th in both scoring and total defense are concerning. The Panthers have their own challenges, and the uncertainty of their quarterback situation adds to the equation.

Given the points and home field advantage, the Panthers emerge as an attractive choice. The Vikings have been underachievers thus far, and this matchup presents an opportunity for the Panthers to cover the spread as home underdogs. Choose the home team for this game to cover the +3.5 spread in BUSR NFL Odds.