Best bets for Redskins-Vikings

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The 2019 NFL season is in full swing, and we're here with a betting preview for Thursday night's game between the 1-6 Washington Redskins and 5-2 Minnesota Vikings.


ESPN betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh and fantasy's Mike Clay combine to offer their best bets for the matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions.


Note: Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Odds as of Wednesday.



Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings (-16, 42)

Kirk Cousins over 259.5 passing yards (-110)

Fortenbaugh: Cousins went from persona non grata among Minnesota's receiving unit following the team's 16-6 loss at Chicago in Week 4 to Mr. Congeniality thanks to a three-game winning streak that has seen the high-priced quarterback amass 306 or more passing yards in each of those three victories. Look for another high-octane performance in Week 8 against a suspect Washington defense that was allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete an astounding 74% of their passes prior to a Week 6 date with Josh Rosen and a Week 7 encounter with Jimmy Garoppolo that took place during a torrential downpour.

Cousins under 259.5 passing yards (-110)

Clay: Cousins has been loading up the box score in recent weeks, but keep in mind that a light schedule has been a primary factor. Cousins' three consecutive games over 300 passing yards have come against the No. 3, No. 5 and No. 8 defenses (Lions, Eagles and Giants, respectively) in terms of most passing yardage allowed. Prior to the outburst, Cousins had fallen short of 260 yards in nine consecutive starts. For the season, he's averaging 244 passing yards and 27.0 pass attempts per game. The Vikings operate the league's second-heaviest run offense and, as 16-point favorites, they should have no trouble sticking to the run against Washington. Speaking of the Redskins, offenses have run the ball 44% of the time against Washington this season, which is seventh-highest. Washington has allowed 238 pass attempts and 1,754 passing yards this season (both 11th-fewest). Cousins comes in with a projection of 211 yards on 27 pass attempts.
Stefon Diggs under 76.5 receiving yards (-110)

Clay: Diggs has gone over 77 yards in three of his past four games, though note that he was under that mark in eight consecutive games prior. Though Adam Thielen sitting out will increase Diggs' target share this week, note that only two wide receivers have cleared 76 yards against the Redskins this season (DeSean Jackson and Julian Edelman). Wide receivers facing Washington have totaled 119 targets (sixth-fewest) and 1,054 yards (12th-fewest), and are averaging 12.0 yards per reception (seventh-lowest). Wide receiver units have been held below their season average in targets in five consecutive games against Washington. Diggs primarily aligns outside and will see a lot of Quinton Dunbar (Pro Football Focus' top-rated cornerback this season) and Josh Norman. With Minnesota likely able to run the ball often as 16-point favorites, Diggs is a better bet to come in closer to 67 yards on seven targets.