NFL Week 10 Picks: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Preview | NFL Week 10
Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
When: Sunday, November 10th at 1:00 PM EST
Watch: FOX

Betting Odds
Spread: Minnesota Vikings -6.5
Total: 44.5 Over/Under

The Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars square off this Sunday afternoon in Jacksonville for a rare NFC vs. AFC matchup that only comes around once every four years. With the Vikings aiming to solidify their playoff positioning and the Jaguars fighting to salvage their season, this game could significantly impact each team’s momentum moving forward. This is one of the most anticipated matchups in the 1 PM slate, so let’s dive into the key factors and see who has the upper hand. Keep reading to find out who I’m backing in this clash and why you should too.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have been one of the most exciting stories of the 2024 season. Sitting at 6-2 and trailing only the Lions in the NFC North, they’ve exceeded expectations largely due to quarterback Sam Darnold’s resurgence. Darnold took over after rookie QB JJ McCarthy was ruled out for the season and has kept the Vikings’ offense productive, ranking 12th in passing yards with 222.1 per game. Darnold’s 17 touchdown passes are a testament to his strong connection with star receiver Justin Jefferson, who has accumulated 783 yards and five touchdowns on 48 catches. Complementing Jefferson are receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, as well as tight end TJ Hockenson, who made his season debut last week. The Vikings’ run game is led by Aaron Jones, who has 565 rushing yards and adds value as a receiving option. However, it’s the Vikings’ defense that’s been their foundation, especially against the run, where they rank 2nd in the league, holding opponents to just 81.9 yards per game. They also allow only 18.8 points per game and are particularly effective in key situations, such as third downs.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are experiencing a challenging season, currently 2-7 and tied for last place in the league. Offensively, they’ve been inconsistent, ranking 21st in total yards per game and scoring an average of 21.7 points. With Trevor Lawrence sidelined due to a non-throwing shoulder injury, former Patriot Mac Jones is set to start. Jones will look to target rookie receiver Brian Thomas, who has been a bright spot for the Jaguars. The ground game will lean heavily on running backs Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, with Bigsby emerging as the more efficient runner so far. Defensively, Jacksonville has struggled mightily, ranking 31st in both total yards and passing yards allowed and 30th in points allowed per game (28.0). Against a potent Vikings offense, the Jaguars will have their hands full, especially with their current defensive limitations.

My Pick: Minnesota Vikings -6.5 (-115)

This is a straightforward choice. The Vikings are legitimate playoff contenders with a balanced offense and an elite run defense. Jacksonville’s defense has been unable to stop either the pass or the run, and Mac Jones at quarterback adds little confidence to the Jaguars’ prospects. With Minnesota getting healthier on offense and boasting a strong defensive front, expect the Vikings to cover the -6.5 spread comfortably as they take care of business in Jacksonville.