Free Pick: Dallas (5-1) at Minnesota (3-3) 10/31/21

Both of these teams are coming back from the bye week and hook up in a big game this week. The Cowboys have a good hold on their division and, even if they were to lose against the Vikings, they will stay in control. On the other hand, Minnesota is trying to catch Green Bay, and the Packers could lose this week. If the Vikings win, they would close to within a game of Green Bay. Let’s find something to bet.

TOTAL TEAM TOTALS:

Dallas: Total Team Point Total 27.5 Dallas is averaging 34 points per game and the Vikings defense is pretty average. The Cowboys’ offense is as good as any in the NFL, led by Dak Prescott throwing the ball to CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Dalton Schultz. The running game is dynamic behind, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. They have scored over 28 points in five of their six games. The Vikings’ defense is allowing 23 points per game and they have played some decent competition. They have won two in a row and they are going to be ready for this one. I like Dallas to go over 27.5 points per game.

Minnesota: Total Team Point Total 26.5 Kirk Cousins is having a great year, completing 70% of his passes for 1769 yards and 13 touchdowns. He will be going up against a Dallas secondary that is giving up nearly 295 passing yards per game. That matchup should favor the Vikings. Dallas is better defending the run, and the Vikings have Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, as a counter attack. Minnesota should go over 26.5 points.

OVER/UNDER TEAM COMBINED POINT TOTALS: 55 This is a game that has all the makings of a shoot-out. We know Dallas can score a bunch of points and the Cowboy defense is suspect. The Vikings are averaging 25 points themselves, so they can light it up also. I would take OVER 55 for combined team points in this one.

POINT SPREAD: Dallas -1.5 This is a spread that is simple to bet. If you like the Cowboys, bet it because they should win by 2 points. If you like the Vikings hammer it all day long.

PAPA DUDES PICK: Dallas -1.5

AARON’S PICK: Minnesota +1.5