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The Minnesota Vikings held off Washington on Thursday Night Football to open Week 8, and improved to 6-2 on the season. The Vikings won 19-9 on the back a grinder effort from their running backs, a huge game from Stefon Diggs, and a strong effort from the defense. Washington drops to 1-7 on the season.
The Vikings came up short of covering the spread for the first time in a win, dropping to 5-3 against the spread. They drove the ball deep into Washington territory late in the game, but a penalty slowed them down and they turned the ball over on downs inside the red zone in the final minute. Washington improved to 3-5 ATS.
The ground game chewed up Washington much of the night. Dalvin Cook finished with 23 rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown along with five receptions for 73 yards. Alexander Mattison got his own share of work in, carrying the ball 13 times for 61 yards. Mattison is a useful own as a handcuff if you own Cook, but against bad teams he might be worth a spot start once in a while in deeper leagues.
The Vikings were without Adam Thielen due to a hamstring injury. Cook had his big day, but Stefon Diggs led the group with seven receptions for 143 yards. It’s kind of crazy that it’s the second straight week he’s had seven receptions for 143 yards, and his third straight week of seven receptions.
The big news for Washington was quarterback Case Keenum suffering a concussion. Rookie Dwayne Haskins replaced him to start the third quarter and finished out the game. Haskins completed three of five passes for 33 yards and an interception in another ugly game for the Washington offense.
The Vikings travel to face Kansas City next week. Washington travels to face Buffalo.