The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins will test their mettle against one another today at FedEX Field in Landover, Maryland. Start time in this afternoon’s skirmish between the two NFC squads is set for 4:25pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on FOX. NFL Predictions and Odds are leaning the Vikings way, but not with a great deal of confidence. Minnesota is lined as a -1 against the spread road favorite while the game total is set at 44 points.

One of the few questions about Robert Griffin III coming out of college was how well his slender frame would hold up to the pounding that an NFL quarterback is often forced to absorb. Well, last week provided both good and bad answers.

Griffin was forced to leave last Sunday’s game against Atlanta after a vicious but legal hit from Falcons linebacker Sean Wheatherspoon. The Heisman winner’s replacement, fellow rookie Kirk Cousins, potentially cost Washington an upset victory as he tossed two critical interceptions in the relief appearance.

The good news for Redskins’ fans, though, is that Griffin has recovered well enough that he will start today’s game against Minnesota.

It will be imperative for Washington to protect its young signal caller as the Vikings features a stingy (15.8 points per game allowed) and aggressive (14 sacks, six forced fumbles) defense.

Minnesota's defense has been the catalyst behind the team’s surprising 4-1 start, but it too will be challenged as the Redskins have experienced a fair amount of offensive success with Griffin at the controls.

The Vikings are still a bit of an unknown commodity as well. Minnesota does own a big win over San Francisco, but the rest of its early opponents are a combined 6-13 on the season. The Vikings are also 1-1 on the road and their 20-13 win at Detroit featured two special teams touchdowns.

Free Pick: Take the Redskins +1.

Minnesota Vikings vs Washington Redskins NFL Predictions:

Minnesota Vikings -1 (-110), Over 44 (-110)

Washington Redskins +1 (-110), Under 44 (-110)

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