Minnesota Vikings: 3 Key players to beating Saints in Divisional Round

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Case Keenum

There’s no surprise here, as I believe Case Keenum is the biggest X-factor for the Vikings on Sunday afternoon against New Orleans. While he’s been great for Minnesota this year, the NFL Playoffs are a different monster all together. One bad read, one mistake or even one turnover could be the difference between going home or moving on.

Keenum hasn’t given us a reason to not trust in his ability to handle the pressure, which means all signs point to him having a great game against the Saints.

One of Keenum’s more underrated traits, that will definitely help the Vikings this weekend, is his ability to avoid pressure in the pocket and still make plays downfield. As we’ve already talked about, New Orleans young secondary is solid, but they also tend to lose coverage when plays start to break down.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Divisional Round edition

If Keenum can find one of his many talented teammates open in the secondary, it could be one of the few touchdowns we’ll see on Sunday. In a game where protecting the football and moving the chains means everything, look for Case Keenum to continue playing like an All-Pro.

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