Sunday sees the return of the NFL to London for the first time in 2024 as the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings meet at the Tottenham Stadium.
Gang Green have, as is tradition, underwhelmed their fans so far this season despite the return of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, and Mark Kirwan does not expect that story to change on Sunday…
NFL London Game Bet Builder
Moneyline: Vikings
Alternate Total Points: Over 36.5
Aaron Jones Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Sam Darnold Passing Yards – Under 217.5
Braelon Allen Receiving Yards – Over 9.5
A Multi Match Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Sunday, October 6 – 2.30pm
WHERE: Tottenham Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports NFL
Moneyline: Vikings
We have seen some gnarly games over the 15 years of the International Series, often tied to teams being jetlagged as well as having to adjust to less-than-ideal weather conditions this side of the world.
The Vikings have made the journey on Thursday and it would want to be one hell of a disruptive flight to put them in danger against the Jets on Sunday as Minnesota have played like the best team in the league over the opening four weeks of the season.
They have beaten the 49ers, Packers and Texans in three of those games, names that feature highly among the Super Bowl contenders this season.
While the offence has been efficient, it’s their defence that gives them an edge at the moment under the tutelage of former Patriots and Dolphins coach Brian Flores. His idiosyncratic scheme has bamboozled Brock Purdy, CJ Stroud and (to lesser extent) Jordan Love in that run.
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 30: A general view of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line and the Washington Redskins defensive line during the second half at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Now it meets Aaron Rodgers. We’re yet to see the MVP-calibre passer of his Green Bay days in a Jets uniform and he looks as though he could be limited by his supporting cast, the New York coaching staff, and the Achilles injury that ruined last season still. The Jets defence has some impressive numbers, though they have been generated against several of the weaker teams in the league.
Until we see otherwise, we have to run with the team that’s waylaid several of the top sides in the league over the frankly uninspiring Jets team. And the London trends are on our side too, with 65% of favourites winning in these overseas games. Take Minnesota on the moneyline.
Alternate Total Points: Over 36.5
Broadly speaking, we should also be keen on the over for the total in this game if we like the team in purple, but the Jets’ offence getting shutdown by the Broncos last week gives some pause for thought on that front.
Again, the unusual venue for this game is also something that could impinge scoring, though the trends historically for London games break even in terms of unders and overs.
I’d expect Minnesota to hold up their side of the scoring bargain, so would look at over on the alternate total of 36.5 total points which gives us some chance of hitting even if the Jets’ fail to nail the landing in London.
Aaron Jones to Score a Touchdown
Another former Packer could steal some headlines from the Jets QB. Aaron Jones will play his fifth game as a Viking having led the backfield in Green Bay for over half a decade.
He has made a stronger start than you might expect from a veteran free agent running-back who turns 30 in December, collecting 321 yards at over five yard per attempt so far. He’s also had 16 receptions and has a pair of touchdowns to his name.
The Jets defence is not the run-stuffing force it has been either, so Jones’ likely heavy workload makes him an appealing play for a score.
Sam Darnold Passing Yards – Under 217.5
We’re betting that the hype around Darnold’s renaissance has peaked here, and also that the Vikings won’t need to pass all that much as Jones should get plenty of yardage out of the Jets front on the ground.
The Vikings QB is averaging 233 yards through the air per game so far this season. A lot of those came against a 49ers secondary that’s light on talent. Also, the Vikings defence should mean the Vikings do not need to force the ball down the field, and outside of Justin Jefferson, the depleted pass-catching corps does not scream yards against a Jets defence featuring secondary that ranks among the best in the league.
There’s also a distinct chance of rain on Sunday afternoon – sorry if you are going – and that’s not conducive to gaudy passing numbers.
Braelon Allen Receiving Yards – Over 9.5
This appeals for multiple reasons. Firstly, Rodgers is going to be under pressure from Minnesota’s ferocious defence. He will want to look for quick receptions and generally speaking the running-back is going to be one of the better options for a swift dump off.
Secondly, starting running-back Breece Hall had a desperate day in the Meadowlands rain last week. We don’t expect him to drop out of the gameplan for one poor day, but he’s not hit the heights expected, meaning rookie Braelon Allen should see an up-tick in game time this week.
Thirdly, even on limited snaps, Allen has hit this nine yards receiving in all four games so far. And we expect the Jets to trail the Vikings in this game, meaning more passing situations and more possible catches for him.
New York Jets v Minnesota Vikings Bet Builder
Moneyline: Vikings
Alternate Total Points: Over 36.5
Aaron Jones Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Sam Darnold Passing Yards – Under 217.5
Braelon Allen Receiving Yards – Over 9.5
A Multi Match Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All odds and lines quoted are accurate at time of publication but are subject to change
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