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Week 1 NFL Picks: Predictions and Advice for Opening-Season Vegas Odds
- Updated: September 8, 2016
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the big stories of the offseason. They had a strong 11-5 regular season in 2015 that saw them win five of their final six games and make the playoffs.
All that stood between them and advancing to the divisional playoffs was a missed chip-shot field goal against the Seattle Seahawks by Blair Walsh.
However, the Mike Zimmer era was off to a brilliant start, as the coach had laid the foundation for an impressive turnaround by building a strong defense. The Vikings had found their quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, who appeared to be much improved during training camp.
But less than two weeks before the start of the season, Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury that will keep him from playing in 2016. Instead of freezing in their tracks and feeling sorry for themselves, the Vikings swallowed hard and made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring in veteran quarterback Sam Bradford.
While Bradford has had injury issues and problems with consistency during his career, he has a chance to keep the Vikings’ hopes of a memorable season alive.
There are no guarantees he will be in the lineup in Minnesota’s Week 1 game at Tennessee, but he will be in the lineup shortly.
Bringing in Bradford told the coaching staff, players and fans that management still expected big things from the team this season. It was a bold move, and it should be reflected by Minnesota’s effort in the season opener.
The Vikings have a powerful defense, the best running back in the game in Adrian Peterson and an emerging crew of young receivers.
The combination of Bradford and backup quarterback Shaun Hill may not be at full speed for this game, but the rest of the team should be.
Look for a top effort from the Vikings, who are listed as 2.5-point favorites by Odds Shark. It should be enough to help the Vikings win by a touchdown or more against second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Titans.
Tennessee may be one of the more improved teams in the …
