In Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings will take on the winless Detroit Lions. After the Vikings laid an egg last week against the Cleveland Browns, this game couldn’t come at a better time. NFL betting lines have the Vikings listed as 9-point favorites.
What is the scoring potential of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 5?
Let’s take a closer look.
Vikings in Week 5: Can Cousins Recover?
Last week, Cousins had a poor performance against the Browns at home. He connected with wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a touchdown pass on the team’s opening drive.
The Vikings had 11 more drives without a touchdown or an attempted field goal for the rest of the game. The Browns’ defense showed that Cousins, one of the best quarterbacks in the league, could be stopped.
Can he recover in Week 5 against the Lions?
Well, what really hurt the Vikings last week was their inability to get anything going on the ground. Starting running back Dalvin Cook and backup Alexander Mattison combined for 19 carries and only 54 yards.
That led to the Vikings getting shutout for three straight quarters in a 14-7 loss on the road.
Still, I think Cousins can recover from last week, and his scoring potential will be extremely high. The Lions gave up 188 yards and three touchdowns against the run last week versus the Chicago Bears.
A deep play-action pass after establishing a ground game benefits Cousins’ scoring potential tremendously.
What do you think? Check out the latest online sports betting lines in Week 5.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
Lucky for the Vikings, they get to play the Lions two times this season. At 1-3, this will be a must-win game for the team.
Their defense will have to do better. However, with an over-under point total currently at 49.5, bettors seem to be expecting a high-scoring game.
The Vikings are 1-1 at home, and they can’t let this opportunity go to waste. Cousins will have to step it up this week.
Against the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, he threw three touchdown passes in each of those games. So far this season, he’s amassed over 1,200 yards, with nine touchdowns and one interception (against the Browns).
His best game of the season came against the Seahawks in Week 3 when he threw for 323 yards, with three targets averaging better than 10 yards per catch.
If the Vikings can establish some balance against the Lions, I believe that Cousins can throw for over 300 yards again. Who knows? Maybe this is the week when he’ll have four touchdown passes.
The Lions are a young defense looking to rebuild, and the Vikings have too many offensive weapons to lose this many games. I think this matchup will be a turning point in their 2021 season.
Can the Vikings Win Big at Home?
The current point spread for the Minnesota Vikings at home is -9. That means bettors will be looking for the Vikings to win big by at least two scores.
The Lions (+350) vs. Vikings (-450) money line offers similar odds.
What do you think of Kirk Cousins’ scoring potential against the Detroit Lions in Week 5? Head on over to BetMGM’s King of the Weekend promotion to place your bets. If you pick the top five teams with the most points this week, you could win $50,000. Don’t wait. Sign up today.
NFL Odds From Your Phone
You can bet on NFL odds from your phone with mobile sports betting. From the BetMGM Sportsbook app, you have access to updated odds, live NFL betting, and more. Download the app and get closer to the action today!
