Saints vs. Vikings: Preview, score prediction for Divisional Round
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints are one win away from reaching the NFC Championship Game, and when the season started back in September, not many folks were saying those words.
The Saints are in the Divisional Round of the playoffs after defeating the Carolina Panthers, 31-26 last Sunday. The Vikings had a bye week after finishing the regular season as the No. 2 seed, winning the NFC North championship with a 13-3 overall record.
These two teams faced each other earlier in the season on Sept. 11 where Minnesota defeated New Orleans, 29-19. Having an 11-5 record during the regular season, the Saints were an offensive juggernaut with a Top 5 ranking in points per game (28), yards per game (391.2), passing yards per game (261.8) and rushing yards per game (129.4). Even the Saints defense has been strong with Top 20 rankings in those same categories.
Now for Minnesota, their defense is just as good — if not better — than the Saints offense. The Vikings are first in the NFL in points allowed per game at just 15.8 and first in the league in yards per game allowed at 275.9. They are also ranked second in the league in passing yards allowed 192.4 and rushing yards allowed per game at 83.6.
Saints Keys To Victory
1. Do what they do best — The Saints average nearly 400 yards of offense per game, and what makes them so exciting to watch is they are balanced in their passing and rushing games with Drew Brees, Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas providing those numbers. Kamara is a double threat with 728 rushing yards (eight touchdowns) and 826 receiving yards (five touchdowns). If these four Saints march into Minnesota with momentum, then they could challenge the Vikings’ stout defense.
2. Put pressure on Case Keenum — The Saints defense needs to be at their very best, and to make Minnesota struggle in this game is to put the pressure to their starting quarterback Case Keenum and don’t let him get the ball cleanly to Adam Thielen or Stefon Diggs. If that occurs, the Saints could be in the NFC Championship game next week.
Vikings Keys to Victory
1. Rely on their defense — If defense does win championships, then the Vikings are in the driver’s seat. The unit allows a third down conversion rate of just 25.2 percent, and as mentioned earlier, just 15.8 points per game. They are stingy and play the game excellent. Minnesota’s defensive backs will be the key and will have to be at their best to defeat Brees in the playoffs, which they are very capable of doing.
2. No mistakes from the offense — Minnesota’s offense can’t afford to put their defense in a bad spot, no matter how good the unit is. They can’t give the Saints extra chances with all the firepower New Orleans possesses on the offensive side of the ball, especially with good field position. If Minnesota’s offense keeps from making turnovers (they were +5 this season), then they will be fine and will be able to take advantage of playing at home in front of their hometown fans.
Odds
Point Spread: Minnesota -4
Moneyline: New Orleans +170, Minnesota -200
Over/Under: 46.5
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Divisional Round edition
Prediction
As strong as the Saints offense is and all of the big numbers they’ve put up this season, plus having the win in the playoffs, Minnesota’s defense is very strong and capable of putting a stop to the Saints and their offensive firepower this week. Plus, playing at U.S. Bank Stadium in front of fans who want to see their team advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1970s, they will be loud and most likely will force the Saints into a mistake or two.
Pick: New Orleans Saints: 27, Minnesota Vikings: 31