The hook may soon come here for the Vikings, so jump in now if interested. Kirk Cousins makes his return to Washington with a healthy, focused Minnesota team that is exceeding expectations. No, the Vikings are not as good as their record suggests, but their offensive balance and the addition of TJ Hockenson will make it difficult for the Commanders to successfully stop them. Meanwhile, Jahan Dotson is out for Washington, and Taylor Heinicke is going to face a lot of pressure while he looks for open receivers. The Vikings defense may not be great against the pass, but it is opportunistic and should be able to make a big play late to cover as a road favorite.

Taylor Heinicke has covered four straight games as a starter and he is always capable of a fourth-quarter backdoor cover if needed. He's 8-2 ATS in his last 10. Washington has won three straight and boasts a legitimate defense. While Kevin O'Connell has energized Minnesota's offense and shown he's competent in late-game situations, Minnesota is a bit fortunate to be 6-1. Five of the Vikes' wins have come by one score. This is another game that will go down to the wire, so take the points.

The Vikings are 6-1, but other than their record, there are few stats to be impressed with. They have an under .500 ATS mark (3-4), five of their six wins were by one score, and they’ve even been outgained by their opponents (383.1 to 345.7 per game) this season. They beat the Dolphins’ backup QB, the Saints in London on a double-doink missed FG in OT, and needed a fourth-quarter surge to muster more than 14 points at home against the Lions’ awful defense. This is not a team that should be 6-1. The Commanders have surged behind Taylor Heinicke, their run 'D' ranks second in DVOA, and they’ve gotten to the QB (top 10 in sacks, fourth in pressure). Grab the points with the home team.

The Vikings allow more yards per game (383) than they gain (345) so far this season. Washington brings in the better defense, allowing 334 yards per game. The Commanders are ranked No. 8 in red-zone defense, while the Vikings are ranked No. 32 thru week seven. Washington is ranked No. 4 in the fewest fantasy points allowed vs. tight ends. The Commanders are ranked No. 8 in special teams, while Minnesota is ranked No. 25 this season. The Vikings' six wins have come against teams with a combined 15-24 record. Seems like a tough spot for the road team with the Buffalo Bills on deck. Take the home dog!