Your open thread for both Monday Night games
The NFL’s schedule makers gave us a double-header for Monday Night Football.
First, at 8 p.m., we have the Minnesota Vikings hosting the Chicago Bears for their second meeting of the year. Next, at 8:30 p.m., we have the Atlanta Falcons visiting the Las Vegas Raiders.
The first game looks to be a mismatch on paper, with the 11-2 Vikings hosting the 4-9 Bears, but the Vikings are only (only) a 7-point favorite at home.
The later game is certainly closer, with the Falcons giving 5.5 points to the Raiders.
(Odds are per FanDuel Sportsbook)
Giants fans should be rooting for both underdogs to win. A win by the Raiders would give the Giants the inside track to the first overall pick, while a win by the Bears would lower the Giants’ high strength of schedule.
But will either team pull off the upset?
Chris’ Picks
Vikings vs. Bears
The Bears have the potential to be really good, but not this year.
Divisional matchups are always unpredictable, but the Vikings should roll this game. The Bears took the Vikings to overtime the last time these two teams met, but the Bears have been trending downward since that meeting.
The Vikings, meanwhile are on a six-game winning streak. They boast an offense that’s on the fringe of the top-10 in the NFL and the league’s second most efficient defense.
Falcons vs. Raiders
Let’s put it this way: I’m rooting for the Raiders to win. I’m hoping that the Raiders win.
But I’m picking the Falcons.
Kirk Cousins has not played good football of late, throwing 8 interceptions to 0 touchdowns over the last four games. The Falcons have a really good cast of skill position players, which makes Cousins’ performance even more concerning. However, the Raiders are in a similar spot as the Giants as far as quarterback and missing key players. I can’t pick against the Falcons’ overall talent level.
But I sure would like to be wrong and for Brock Bowers to just take this game over.
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Vikings vs. Bears
What: Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
When: Monday, Dec 16th
Where: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN.
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)
Radio: Westwood One: Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner | SiriusXM: 88; Minnesota Vikings – 225 or Chicago Bears – 226
Referee: John Hussey
Streaming: NFL +
Fanduel Sportsbook odds: Spread: Vikings (-7 |-102) | Raiders (+7 | +120) Moneyline: Vikings -320, Bears +250 | Over/Under: 43.5 (Under -110, Over -110)
Raiders vs. Falcons
What: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons
When: Monday, Dec 16th
Where: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
Game time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky
Radio: Westwood One: Kevin Kugler, James Lofton | SiriusXM: 88; Atlanta Falcons – 228 or Las Vegas Raiders – 229
Referee: Shawn Smith
Streaming: NFL +
Fanduel Sportsbook odds: Spread: Falcons (-5.5 |-105) | Raiders (+5.5 | +115) Moneyline: Falcons -270, Raiders +1220 | Over/Under: 44.5 (Under -115, Over -105)
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Use this as your open thread for Monday Night Football.
