2016 NFL Week 1 Minnesota at Tennessee Expert Picks

Adrian Peterson (reigning NFL rushing champion) and the Minnesota Vikings will clash against DeMarco Murray (2014 rushing champion), Derrick Henry (FBS leading rusher in 2015) and the Tennessee Titans in a game that is highly likely to be dominated with a lot of run-oriented plays. Who will run away with the victory in this mouthwatering showdown? Below is an all-inclusive NFL odds preview of this matchup.

2016 NFL Week 1 Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans Expert Picks

Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis When: Sunday, September 11, 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX NFL Lines: Minnesota (-3), Tennessee (+3), OVER/UNDER 42

Why Bet on Minnesota

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been quietly improving his game with every passing season and this year should be no different, considering that Minny’s O-line is loaded with improved protectors and the likes of Laquon Treadwell will add depth to the team’s budding group of receivers. Meanwhile, Peterson should continue to use his freakish strength to bulldoze opponents while the defense, which is the team’s strongest suit, makes life a living hell for the largely-young Titans offense. Add in the fact that the Minnesota Vikings are 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in their 6 All-time meetings against the Titans, beating Tennessee shouldn’t be that big a deal, especially keeping in mind that the Titans have won just 2 of their 16 home games over the past two seasons.

Why Bet on Tennessee

Whereas we can’t draw much hope from Tennessee’s history over the past several seasons, the fact that Marcus Mariota had a decent rookie season and showed sparks of brilliance under the center should be a reason good enough to expect better things in the future. This is particularly encouraged by the solid offseason additions in the team, with the likes of Murray and Henry bringing in much-needed help in Tennessee’s running game, while the defense benefits from boatload of picks received from trading with the Rams. Obviously, it will take some time for the Titans to gel properly and become a formidable unit, but from the early look of things, they are headed in the right direction, which should give them a shot at upsetting the Vikings.

Expert NFL Predictions and Picks

Improved as the Titans are expected to be in 2016, I just don’t see them being able to match up to Minnesota’s vast strengths, especially in the defense. The Vikings should thus be able to win this game rather comfortably to claim both the SU and ATS picks.