Greg Joseph’s missed extra point didn’t end up deciding who won Sunday’s game between the Vikings and Saints. It had a big impact, however, on many who bet on the first London contest of the season.
The missed point attempt afterwards – which occurred with 4:15 remaining – sent the Vikings up three instead of four. After the Saints hit a 60-yard field goal to equalize, the Vikings responded with a field goal of their own – then barely survived a final 61-yard Saints field goal attempt that rebounded – before posting a 28-25 victoire.
Minnesota, a 2.5-point favorite earlier in the week, was a 3.5-point favorite heading into the game due to several key injuries, including misses Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas. By Sunday morning, the line had gone to 4 with Alvin Kamara seated. So depending on how and when you bet, Joseph’s failure led to either celebration or frustration.
New Orleans’ 61-yard attempt on the final play in regulation no doubt made bettors sweat as well, as it bounced around the uprights. But instead of leveling the match and forcing overtime, Wil Lutz’s attempt narrowly failed.
The Vikings were led by wide Justin Jefferson, who caught 10 passes for 147 yards. Jefferson gave the Vikings the lead on his three-yard touchdown run, moments before Joseph’s failed attempt. The teams then traded field goals before Joseph’s 47-yard field kick gave the Vikings the lead with 24 seconds left.
Minnesota held off a solid game from Saints quarterback Andy Dalton, who threw for 236 yards and one scoring on 20 of 28 passes.
