When the Vikings (5-2) host the Redskins (1-6) on "Thursday Night Football" (8:20 p.m. ET, Fox, NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video), the matchup takes the "revenge game" narrative to a whole new level.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins doubled up as a franchise-tagged player before leaving Washington for Minnesota as a free agent before the 2018 season. He replaced Case Keenum, who landed in Denver in '18 before becoming the new bridge QB in Washington this season.
Then there's Adrian Peterson, the former Vikings superstar running back who's now the centerpiece of the Redskins' run-heavy offense with interim coach Bill Callahan. He is expected to play through an ankle injury for what might be a final shot to play against his former team in his former home.
That said, Cousins and the Vikings are huge favorites over Keenum, Peterson and the Redskins.
Here's everything to know about betting on Redskins vs. Vikings in Week 8, including updated odds, trends and our prediction for "Thursday Night Football."
MORE: Get the latest NFL odds & betting advice at Sportsbook Review
Betting odds for 'Thursday Night Football'
- Spread: Vikings by 16.5
- Point total: 42
- Moneyline: Redskins -105, Vikings -105
The Vikings are red-hot, having won three consecutive games, covering as mild favorites in each. The Redskins just got shut out against the 49ers, but they ended up covering by losing only 9-0. Minnesota has been a heavy favorite since early in the week.
Redskins vs. Vikings all-time series
The teams have split the series, 13-13. The Vikings have won three of four games in the rivalry since 2013. All of them were one-possession games. Dating back to 1996, the Vikings are 8-6 straight up and 8-6 against the spread.
Three trends to know
— 53 percent of bettors believe the Vikings will cover the big number, while 52 percent like the total to go over, given Cousins will be motivated to not to let up on his former team.
— When the Vikings win, they've covered all five times. When the Vikings lose, they have failed to come through against the spread.
— Before their loss to the 49ers, the Redskins failed to cover in five consecutive games. The total has gone under in their past four games.
MORE: Key to Kirk Cousins' next contract is the chip he carries vs. Redskins
Three things to watch
Cousins vs. the Redskins' pass defense
Washington has been terrible on the back end with little pass rush and cornerback Josh Norman may miss another game. Cousins won't have wide receiver Adam Thielen, out with a hamstring injury, but he lit up the Lions last week with wide receiver Stefon Diggs and a slew of other pass-catchers all over the field. His eyes should be wide open to take shots, just like his targets will be.
Dalvin Cook, prime-time player
As good as Cousins has been of late, he's not the best offensive Viking. Cook, fully healthy, has dominated as a runner and receiver, finally living up to his elite talent in a zone-blocking scheme tailored well to his strong cutback running. The Redskins are No. 27 against the run. Loading up to stop Cook will open things up even more for Cousins downfield.
Less All Day at night, more Scary Terry
Callahan has gone nuts running the ball ever since taking over Jay Gruden. But the Vikings have the No. 7 run defense and his backfield is thin, led by a banged-up Peterson. The smarter play with upset in mind is to let Keenum let it rip against an overrated Vikings pass defense (see Matthew Stafford last week). Rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin is a tough cover for veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes and others.
Stat that matters
Cousins is 3-0 at home this season, completing 45 of 60 passes (75.0 percent) for 6 TDs. He's averaged 10 yards per attempt and rated a combined 133.0. He's also rated 137.3 in the Vikings' five wins. All the numbers point to Cousins having another excellent game and the Vikings rolling.
Redskins vs. Vikings prediction
The Vikings will jump out to a big lead with Cousins and use Cook and rookie backup Alexander Mattison more to slam the door and keep the ball away from Keenum and the Redskins to quickly remove any thoughts of a road comeback. Minnesota is a much better team and won't waste the opportunity to make a massive statement for a national audience.
Vikings 33, Redskins 10
