NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: 5 Toughest matchups in 2018

By Joe Kipp

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with field judge James Coleman #95 and Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles after making a catch during the third quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The eagles defeated the Vikings 21-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with field judge James Coleman #95 and Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles after making a catch during the third quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The eagles defeated the Vikings 21-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
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)
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) /

4. Week 8 vs New Orleans Saints (Home)

The New Orleans Saints will look to relinquish both losses against Minnesota from last season, in a rematch from the “Minneapolis Miracle” and Week 1.

The Vikings held Drew Brees and the offense in check for most of both games, although rookie sensation Alvin Kamara had over 100 total yards in the Divisonal Playoffs. Michael Thomas was held in check for the most part against Xavier Rhodes, catching only three passes on eight targets for 46 yards and one touchdown.

The obvious keys to the game will be shutting down Kamara and Thomas, but the offense will need to do their part too. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs will have tough matchups against Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley, while Dalvin Cook and the offensive line will need to shutdown star defensive end Cameron Jordan.

The winner of this game could help decide the NFC Wild Card later in the season, as head-to-head matchups are crucial since both teams reside in competitive divisions.

Home/Minnesota Vikings