Predicting every game of the 2020 NFL Playoffs

NFC Wild Card: Minnesota Vikings (6) at New Orleans Saints (3)

If it were October, I’d give the Vikings a legitimate shot at knocking off the Saints. Minnesota was a force to be reckoned with a couple of months ago, but have since taken a huge step backward — which is pretty poor timing considering they’re now headed for a daunting Wild Card matchup.

Kirk Cousins just hasn’t been himself as of late. Maybe it’s been the absence of Dalvin Cook in the starting lineup, or the offensive line’s sudden inability to keep opposing pass rushers at bay. Either way, it doesn’t look good for this Minnesota offense as we head into January.

Meanwhile, the Saints have been killing it as of late. They’ve won six of their last seven, and the only loss came at the hands of the 49ers — by a measly two points. Drew Brees has been on fire, and Michael Thomas has played a huge role in the veteran quarterback’s success. New Orleans hasn’t been quite as devastating to opponents, but they’re still playing well.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one got ugly early. The Saints are firing on all cylinders heading into the postseason, while the Vikings barely managed to limp through the final few weeks of the regular season. Even if Cook returns and Cousins has a good game, I don’t think it’ll be enough to take down this all-too-familiar foe.

Prediction: Saints win 37-17