Vikings spread bettors, look away.
Leading 15-10 with just over two minutes remaining, and facing a crucial third-and-5, Kyler Murray rolled to his right and threw across the field to a wide-open T.J. Hockenson for what looked like a game-sealing touchdown.
Until it wasn’t.
Instead of heading into the end zone, Hockenson pulled up and slid at the 1-yard line. The Vikings then kneeled out the clock to secure a 15-10 win.
Minnesota was a 10.5-point favorite.
A touchdown would have made it 21-10, enough to cover the spread even without the extra point. Instead, Hockenson’s slide delivered a bettor’s nightmare, leaving Minnesota backers stunned on Sunday evening.
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To make matters worse for Vikings bettors, Minnesota controlled nearly every part of the game:
- Total yards: The Vikings outgained the Dolphins 336-198, including a 213-77 advantage in net passing yards.
- Offensive plays: Minnesota ran 68 plays to Miami’s 35.
- Third downs: The Vikings converted 8 of 18 attempts (44.4%) and their lone fourth-down attempt. The Dolphins went 2-for-9 (22.2%) on third down.
- Turnovers: Minnesota committed none and recovered a Miami fumble.
- Field goals: Will Reichard scored all 15 Vikings points, going 5-for-5 on field goals.
Despite moving the ball throughout the game, Minnesota couldn’t find the end zone. With the win, the Vikings improved to 4-0 for the 11th time in franchise history and the second time in the past three seasons.
According to Action Network, 74% of spread bets were on Vikings -10.5.
Our first true bad beat of the season probably won’t be the last. But moments like these are why we do it: pure joy for Dolphins backers and absolute heartbreak for those holding Vikings -10.5 tickets.
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