Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: betting odds, preview, RGIII update, pick

The Minnesota Vikings will try to improve to 5-1 on the season when they visit the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field Sunday.

Many sportsbooks aren't offering a line on this game as we go to publication because the status of Robert Griffin III is still unknown (follow us on Twitter for updates)

Griffin III left the game with a mild concussion in Washington's loss to Atlanta last week, and while he has been practicing this week and hasn't suffered any setbacks he will still need to be cleared by doctors due to NFL rules on concussion safety. The loss to Atlanta last week brought Washington's record to 2-3 SU and ATS.

After winning just three games in 2011, the Minnesota Vikings have already surpassed that total with a 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS start. Minnesota is getting the job done in good old smash-mouth football fashion, rushing for 133.2 yards per game and playing excellent defense (allowing 15.8 points per game).

Adrian Peterson's miraculous quick-recovery this offseason from a torn ACL has helped make the Vikings a legitimate threat this season.

Needless to say, whether or not Robert Griffin III is able to go or not will drastically change the make-up of this game. Fellow rookie Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State will step in if Griffin III is unable to make the start.

Even if Griffin III does start, Minnesota is well equipped to contain him. The Vikings have a strong front seven with a great rushing defense (allowing just 78.6 rushing yards per game).

Regardless of who starts for Washington (indications seem to lean towards RGIII being ready to go), we like the Minnesota Vikings to pull off the "upset" on the road. Washington has lost eight straight games at home (going 1-6-1 ATS over that stretch) and the Redskins defense has been torched for 29.4 points per game this season.

It will likely be a close game, but the Vikings stay in top form and pick up the road win.

PICK: Minnesota +1.5