Stephen Nover's NFL Total of the Week
(NFL) Minnesota vs. Washington,
Total: 40.50 | -103.00 Under
Result: Win
The combination of Kirk Cousins and a mediocre Washington defense makes the Redskins a very good Over team. The proof is in the record: 22 Overs in Washington's past 29 games.

I see that trend continuing here.

The Redskins are expected to get back some of their injured offense linemen along with wide receiver Jamison Crowder and possibly star tight end Jordan Reed. Minnesota has a very good defense - hence the low total. But Cousins can attack the Vikings with quick, short passes. He has the personnel and astute coaching from Jay Gruden to accomplish this. There may not be a more dangerous pass-catching running back than Chris Thompson.

I expect the Vikings to put up their share of points, too. Case Keenum is playing to keep his starting position with Teddy Bridgewater back from injury.

The Redskins are vulnerable to the Vikings' ground attack and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Already down two key run-stuffers with lineman Jonathan Allen and inside linebacker Mason Foster out, the Redskins may be msising their best linebacker, Zach Brown. He missed practice because of an ankle injury.

The Vikings rank in the top 10 in rushing. The Redskins have been gashed on the ground the past two weeks by the Seahawks - who are not a good running team - and the Cowboys surrendering an average of 158.5 yards rushing to those two teams.