PREVIEW Tonight's game

NEW ENGLAND at MINNESOTA
Game time: 8:30 p.m.TV: ESPNOpening line: Patriots by 2 1/2. Record vs. spread: Patriots 4-2; Vikings 5-1.Series history: Patriots lead 5-4. Last meeting: Patriots 24, Vikings 17, Nov. 24, 2002 at New England.Notes: New England remains atop AFC East, having won three straight since 17-7 loss to Denver, and five straight on road -- a stretch in which Patriots have outscored opponents 156-64. ... The Patriots have forced eight turnovers in their past three games. ... Minnesota leads NFL in rushing defense (70.8). ... Minnesota is tied for 30th in league with a red zone TD conversion rate of only 28.6 percent.Prediction: Patriots, 19-16
Associated Press
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