- CARDINALS at VIKINGS
- 11 a.m. Sunday
- U.S. Bank Stadium
- Line: Cardinals +3.5 (For more NFL odds, visit the BetMGM online sportsbook)
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Don't Get Tripped By Tryptophan
Here's hoping James Conner and the rest of the Cardinals running backs limited their turkey intake on Thanksgiving Day. Reestablishing the run game should be priority No. 1 this week after a season-low 49 rushing yards at Seattle. It's no secret, the Cardinals offense is based on the run. In their six wins this season, they are averaging better than 170 yards on the ground; in their five losses, the average drops to 104. In other words, a stark difference. Running the ball against the Vikings won't be easy. Not only do they defend the run better than any other team – 74.7 yards/game – their defense has allowed less than 80 rushing yards in four straight games, their best stretch of the season. So, again guys, please save the second plate of turkey until after.
-- Craig Grialou
The Defense Doesn't Rest
The Cardinals defense is coming off a week in Seattle where they only allowed 10 points, and four of their five sacks came on third downs. The unit has continued to ascend on a week-to-week basis, and now it faces a well-balanced Vikings offense. Quarterback Sam Darnold has the fourth-most passing yards and touchdowns (21), but he's also thrown 10 interceptions. It's high risk-reward when considering the plethora of weapons Darnold has at his disposal. Forcing the quarterback off his spot and making him uncomfortable can lead to crucial stops and turnover opportunities for the Cardinals.
-- Dani Sureck
To Blitz Or Not To Blitz. This Is The Question
For the Cards, Week 13 will quickly advance from Thanksgiving to Blitzgiving. Sporting the NFL's second-highest blitz rate (37.8 percent), the Vikings pursue quarterbacks like Black Friday shoppers charge a super sale rack. What's more, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores is aware that Kyler Murray enters with the fourth-lowest passer rating (79.3) against the blitz and the fourth-highest passer rating (105.2) when not blitzed. Then again, Kyler shredded Coach Flo back in 2020 (when Flores was coaching the Dolphins) with a 150.5 rating, three touchdowns, no interceptions and 106 rushing yards.
-- Paul Calvisi
