Vikings, Steelers soaring

An explosive play is possible almost every time Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson touches the football. Add quarterback Brett Favre into the equation, and it's an offense with a short fuse.

The Vikings are lighting up the scoreboard this season, with five of their six games going over the total.

Minnesota puts its perfect record on the line today at Pittsburgh, and The Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall said he expects the game to go over the total of 451/2.

"One of the more startling 'totals' trends in the NFL has been the Steelers' long propensity for the 'over' at Heinz Field," Marshall said, citing Pittsburgh home games going 49-23 over the total since early in the 2001 season. "The Vikings also have been exhibiting lots of 'over' tendencies since Favre arrived.

"With a quick-strike element like Peterson, the Vikings are always liable to force an accelerated pace."

The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger leads the league in passing yards, and Vikings star cornerback Antoine Winfield is doubtful with a sprained right foot.

Marshall, 5-1 with recommended totals plays this season, outlines technical notes on other Week 7 games:

• San Diego at Kansas City: The Chiefs played the Chargers tough last year, losing by one point in both games. Kansas City has covered five of the past seven meetings and three of the past four at Arrowhead Stadium. San Diego coach Norv Turner is 1-4 against the spread (ATS) as a road favorite since last season. The Chargers are 21-8 over the total in their past 29 away. Edge: Chiefs, Over.

• Chicago at Cincinnati: The underdog has covered in the Bengals' first six games, and Cincinnati is 2-9 ATS in its past 11 as a favorite. Edge: Bears.

• San Francisco at Houston: The Texans are zig-zagging versus the line this season (L-W-L-W-L-W) through six games. 49ers coach Mike Singletary has covered his past five as a 'dog. Edge: 49ers.

• New Orleans at Miami: The Saints are off quick with wins and covers in all six games. The Dolphins are recovering from a slow start with two straight home covers, but coach Tony Sparano was 2-8 ATS prior as a host. Saints coach Sean Payton is 8-1 ATS as a road favorite since 2006. Edge: Saints.

Compiled by Las Vegas Review-Journal sports writer Matt Youmans.