Our New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings prediction takes a look at the Week 13 matchup that features two teams gearing up for a playoff run.
Let’s take a look at the current sports betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Nov. 28.
Jets vs. Vikings Odds
- Spread
Vikings -3 - Moneyline
Vikings -170, Jets +145 - Over/Under
43 points
Jets vs. Vikings Prediction
The New York Jets made a drastic decision in benching Zach Wilson leading up to their Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, and it certainly looks like it paid off. The offense looked rejuvenated, and Mike White was able to move the ball effectively and get it into the hands of his playmakers, which is something that Wilson had been struggling to do in recent weeks.
MORE: Mike White Shows He Belongs In Win Over Bears
It’s important to keep in mind when evaluating this offense under White that the Bears’ defense is reeling, is void of top-tier talent, and got hit with injuries even during that game. However, this Jets offense showed signs of life, and that’s crucial for the Jets’ prognosis over the next couple of months. This team is squarely in the AFC Playoff picture and could make some noise, despite dealing with several key injuries of their own.
The key for New York to win this game, though, relies on a clean game from their QB. White showed plenty in Week 12, but this is a much tougher matchup on paper against the 9-2 Vikings. If White can get the ball out quickly into the hands of Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, etc., and avoid turnovers, the Jets could advance to 8-4 on the year by the end of this game.
How the Vikings Can Win
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings are coming off of a hard-fought win against the Patriots on Thanksgiving Night. Justin Jefferson continues to play at an MVP level, and he has now recorded at least 95 receiving yards in seven of his last eight games. The Jets will be doing everything they can to slow him down, but it might not make much of a difference.
The Vikings will have their work cut out for them though, in this one, as they attempt to put points up on the board. The Jets are now allowing the 4th-fewest points per game to opposing offenses, and they’re consistently wreaking havoc for the opposition’s QB. New York now ranks 7th in the league in Sacks Per Game with 3.1, and the Vikings’ offensive line will need to keep Cousins clean in order to walk away with a victory.
The key for the Vikings to cross over the 10-win threshold for the first time since 2019 is to get the running game back up and running. Dalvin Cook was stifled last week against the Patriots, as he averaged just 1.9 yards per attempt.
In a matchup that offers a bit more running room statistically, can Minnesota lean on Cook and keep the Jets’ offense with their explosive playmakers on the sideline? If so, we could see Minnesota join Philadelphia as the only other 10-win team in the league.
Jets vs. Vikings Prediction
Vikings 24, Jets 20