Who plays
New England @ Minnesota
Current records: New England 6-4; Minnesota 8-2
What there is to know
The Minnesota Vikings will once again play hosts and host the New England Patriots at US Bank Stadium, where kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET Thursday. Neither the Vikings nor New England have been able to muster much offensive firepower in their last games, so watch the defense to decide this one.
Minnesota entered their game against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday undefeated at home — but there’s a first time for everything. Minnesota was completely passed by Dallas at home and lost 40-3. Minnesota was in a tough spot at halftime, with the score already 23-3. QB Kirk Cousins had a memorable game, but not in the way you’d want to be remembered: in addition to not producing a single touchdown, he fumbled the ball once with just 105 passing yards.
Meanwhile, it was all tied 3-3 at halftime for the Patriots and New York Jets last Sunday, but New England came on in the second half for a 10-3 victory.
This next contest is expected to be close, with the Vikings just a 2.5 point favorite. Those playing the odds have seen things come and go with Minnesota, which is 4-5-1 ATS.
Minnesota is now 8-2 while New England is 6-4. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind heading into kickoff: Minnesota stumbles into the game with the second-most yards allowed per game in the NFL, having given up 284.4 on average. The Patriots’ defense has more to brag about, as they rank second in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed, with just four this season.
How to watch
- When: Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET
- Where: US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: NBC
- Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports app
Odds
The Vikings are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Patriots, according to the latest NFL odds.
Over/Under: -109
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Series history
New England won the only game these two teams have played in the last eight years.
- December 02, 2018 – New England 24 vs. Minnesota 10