NFL Betting :
Where Has Adrian Peterson Gone?

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings
Football : United States : NFL
Sunday, 13th December 2009 - Kickoff 1:00PM ET

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When Brett Favre agreed to come out of retirement and play one more season for the Minnesota Vikings, most sports betting experts assumed that Favre would simply provide a light complement to the team’s potent running game. As it turns out, it’s the running game that has been light while the passing game has been potent.

Favre has thrown for 3149 yards and 26 touchdowns this year with a quarterback rating of 108.5 Meanwhile, the running game has been nowhere to be found for support.

At the beginning of the year, sportsbook bettors were contemplating as to whether running back Adrian Peterson, who then was considered the best in the business, could break the 2000-yard mark.

In the last month or so, the only time Peterson has been a factor is when he’s fumbled.

If you take out his one solid performance against the Detroit Lions in the last six games, Peterson has just 352 rushing yards on 105 carries, which boils down to a 3.4 yards per carry average. On top of that, he has four fumbles in his last four games.

The Vikings can’t rely on Favre all season and if they want to win, he better start playing like the MVP most people thought he was.

The Bengals have been one of the better teams in the NFL this year and have several quality road wins, yet they find themselves as a touchdown underdog in Minnesota this week.

While the Vikings were exposed by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday Night Football, the Bengals don’t have the same type of offense to follow that blueprint.

For starters, the Vikings will be at home. Secondly, while the Cardinals have two elite receivers, the Bengals have just one. That means that the Vikings should be able to double-team Chad Ochocinco and make Carson Palmer look elsewhere.

The Bengals have also become a run-oriented team as their ground game has led them to key wins all season long. The Vikings won’t let that happen since that is the strength of their defense.

THe Betting Verdict

After getting spanked in front of a national audience last week, the Vikings will be more than prepared for this game. Don’t be surprised if Peterson finds his feet this week and leads the team to a big win over a Super Bowl contender.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Vikings 28, Bengals 21

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take MINNESOTA VIKINGS to win and cover the -6.5 point spread (just)