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Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers Prediction, Pick, Odds

The Minnesota Vikings lost a heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. In the 4th quarter, the Vikings had a potential interception bounce into the arms of Josh Palmer at the 5-yard line for an easy touchdown for the Chargers. With 10 seconds left in the game, the Vikings had the ball with 1st and goal. Kirk Cousins threw a game-sealing interception to give the Chargers the win. In my Week 3 Chargers vs. Vikings prediction for this game, I said both the Chargers and Vikings are notoriously known to lose games in tragic ways. I was correct in that regard, but I predicted the wrong team to do exactly that in Week 3. Let’s see if I can change that in Week 4 with my Vikings vs. Panthers prediction, pick, and odds.

The Panthers had some success offensively with Andy Dalton at QB. Dalton threw for 361 yards and two TDs, with 0 INTs. Despite the surge in offensive output, the struggling Panthers were not able to overcome the Seahawks. The Panthers’ defense allowed Kenneth Walker III to rush for 97 yards and two TDs, the difference maker in this game. 

This is a battle between two winless teams, but one of these teams is not like the other. Let’s get into my Vikings vs. Panthers prediction.

Vikings vs. Panthers Date, Start Time, And Where To Watch

Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023

Start Time: 1:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: FOX

Vikings vs. Panthers Odds

Moneyline: Vikings -162, Panthers +154

Spread: Vikings -3.5, Panthers +3.5

O/U: 45.5

Vikings vs. Panthers Prediction

The Vikings will travel down to Charlotte, North Carolina to face the Carolina Panthers. A battle between two winless NFC teams. The Vikings are coming off of a tough loss against the Chargers, while the Panthers could not keep up offensively with the feisty Seahawks. 

The Vikings offense is ranked 3rd overall, averaging 406 YPG. The Vikings’ passing game ranks 2nd, averaging 358 YPG. Their run game is abysmal, coming in at 31st overall with a whopping average of 66 YPG. The Vikings should be able to pass the ball successfully against the Panthers, and the run game will not matter.

The Panthers’ offense seemed to improve with Andy Dalton under center. However, their offense overall ranks 21st, averaging 299 YPG. This is why they lost against the Seahawks, they were unable to keep up with the Geno Smith/D.K. Metcalf duo. It’s tough to imagine that they will do the same and that’s why I’m backing Minnesota in my Vikings vs. Panthers prediction.

The Vikings’ overall defense ranks 27th, allowing offenses an average of 382 YPG. If this game turns into a shootout, it will favor the Vikings, who have more weapons on offense. Dalton does bring a much-needed veteran presence to the Panthers, but it will not be enough to outgun the Vikings. I predict the Vikings will win and cover the spread this game. My bet is the Vikings -3.5.

Vikings vs. Panthers Best Bet

– Vikings -3.5  (-185 @Draftkings)