Vikings Dominant Defense Leads NFL

The Vikings are 3-0 SU/ATS with the league's most dominant defense through three games. Minnesota has allowed a league-low 40 points through three games while also facing the Packers and Panthers offenses led by two of the league's premier QB's in Aaron Rogers and Cam Newton. The Giants are 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS, but looking up at both the Eagles (3-0) and Cowboys (3-1) in the NFC East.

We previewed the Vikings in our Super Bowl contenders article, and Minnesota is off to a strong start. The Vikings new stadium and loud atmosphere on Monday night will make it even tougher for the Giants to win.

Monday, October 3, 2016
New York Giants -4
Minnesota Vikings +4
Total: 43

Kickoff 8:30 ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Surface: Speed Series S5-M synthetic turf
TV: ESPN

Check out the latest odds from top sports books, and 9 things to know about the Vikings new turf at U.S. Bank Stadium, along with a video tour and look inside the new stadium.

Key stats

Coach Mike Zimmer has put his stamp on a Vikings team built around athletic playmakers on the defensive side, and most impressive is the Vikings are allowing just 4.4 yards per PLAY (league average approx. 5.5). New York's defense is also stout in the early going allowing 5.0 yards per play. Both run defenses are top-10 allowing less than 85 yards per game, so it will be up to the quarterbacks to make plays in the passing game if they plan on moving the chains consistently.

Teams are passing the ball 41 times per game against the Giants (league ave. approx.. 36), but New York is holding up pretty well against the pass allowing near league average 262 yard per game. The Vikings pass defense is also excellent allowing 211 YPG, and this opportunistic defensive unit has forced a league-high 9 turnovers while posting a league-best +8 turnover margin. The Vikings lead the league with 15 sacks, including 8 last week against Cam Newton. Eli Manning better get the ball out quick with his limited mobility.

From a yards perspective, the Vikings are allowing 295 yards per game (YPG) to rank top-6 in the league while the Giants are also above average allowing 339 YPG. So how will the offenses move the ball against these two defenses? Minnesota QB Sam Bradford should continue to get more comfortable in coordinator Norv Turner's offense, and the Vikings will stretch the field more with WR Stefon Diggs becoming a top receiver and Bradford's favorite target alongside TE Kyle Rudolph. The Giants spent a ton of money to upgrade their defense in free agency, and it will be up to that defense to make stops and hold on third downs to get the ball back to the offense. Minnesota's defense will face an elite WR in Odell Beckham, and Eli Manning is clearly capable of making plays with over 300 passing yards per game and 8.6 yards per pass this season. He has fumbled four times and lost one, and protecting the football is imperative against this dominant and opportunistic Vikings defense.

Money Makers

After being the league's best money-making team last year at 13-3 ATS (11-5 SU), the Vikings have continued to reward their betting backers in 2016 with a 3-0 ATS start. The Giants are 0-4 ATS in this last four Monday night games as underdog. The Vikings are 7-0 SU/ATS in their last seven home games against NFC opponents, with this being the first at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota is also a remarkable 19-4 ATS under coach Zimmer in games outside of their division.

Key Player Injuries and Suspensions

NY Giants - Olivier Vernon probable Monday vs. Minnesota (Wrist), Rashad Jennings doubtful Monday vs. Minnesota (Wrist , Shane Vereen IR (Tricep), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie doubtful Monday vs. Minnesota (Groin), Eli Apple doubtful Monday vs. Minnesota (Hamstring), Marshall Newhouse expected to miss Monday vs. Minnesota (Calf), Darian Thompson expected to miss Monday vs. Minnesota (Foot), Robert Thomas expected to miss Monday vs. Minnesota (Illness), Mykkele Thompson IR (Knee), J.T. Thomas IR (Knee), Matt LaCosse IR (Knee), Nikita Whitlock IR (Foot)

Minnesota Vikings - Alex Boone "?" Monday vs. NY Giants (Hip), David Morgan doubtful Monday vs. NY Giants (Knee), MyCole Pruitt probable Monday vs. NY Giants (Knee), Sharrif Floyd out indefinitely (Knee), Matt Kalil IR (Hip), Adrian Peterson IR (Knee), Mike Harris PUP (Undisclosed), Teddy Bridgewater IR (Knee), Taylor Heinicke out indefinitely (Foot).

The Vikings rolled over the Giants 49-17 last year in week 15. This year they are without QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Adrian Peterson. Yet for a team that has continued to win and cover, there doesn't seem to be much adjustment or inflation in the betting lines. Minnesota is also on a 9-1 ATS run as favorite. Neither team projects to have too much offensive success, but the Giants are a bit more vulnerable defensively and they will have to pass more offensively. Few knocks against the Vikings, and their dominant defense makes them the side to support with less scoring than expected.

FairwayJay is a leading national sports handicapper and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. Follow him on Twitter: @FairwayJay