NFL
Week 8: New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview
The high flying New Orleans Saints travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to battle the Minnesota Vikings in a Sunday Night Showdown. Both teams are currently on winning streaks.
The Saints are at five straight with a 5-1 record, and the Vikings are at three straight with a 4-2-1 record.
Bad Blood
The last time these two teams met, they were battling in the NFC Divisional Round for a spot in the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings dominated in the 1st half to take a 17-0 lead. But the Saints came charging back on in the 2nd half to take a 24-23 lead with 25 seconds left.
But with 10 seconds remaining, former Vikings’ quarterback Case Keenum hurled a pass to Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard walk-off touchdown to win the game. Both teams may be downplaying it, But the Saints are looking to exercise some revenge.
Injury Report
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints come into this game with one player listed out. Defensive lineman Mitchell Loewen will miss the game with a neck injury.
Minnesota Vikings
On the negative side, the Minnesota Vikings will down a few key players. Anthony Barr, Andrew Sendejo, Tom Compton, and Dalvin Cook will all be out. On the positive side, Eric Wilson is expected to make his first start and fill in for Anthony Barr alongside Eric Kendricks and Ben Gedeon.
Andrew Sendejo Anthony Harris, George Iloka and Jayron Kearse will continue to split snaps. Not to mention Latavius Murray will fill in for Dalvin Cook and Rashod Hill will continue to fill in for Tom Compton.
Riley Reiff has been downgraded to doubtful.
Key Matchups
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees vs. Vikings Secondary
Drew Brees is looking to carve up the Vikings’ secondary as he did in the NFC Divisional Round. Notably, he’s currently 13th in the league in passing yards with 1870 with 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions.
It doesn’t help that the Vikings will be without Andrew Sendejo and will more than likely have a less than 100% Xavier Rhodes.
Mike Thomas vs. Trae Waynes
The Vikings are looking for a way to contain Mike Thomas. Mike Thomas is currently second in the league in receiving with 588 yards and four touchdowns. With Xavier Rhodes banged up, Trae Waynes will probably get the tall task of containing Drew Brees’ favorite target.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins vs. Saints’ Secondary
Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins has been on fire for the bulk of this Vikings’ season. Nevertheless, he’ll take on a Saints defense that ranks 28th vs. the pass.
Cousins is currently fourth in passing yards with 2162 yards and three interceptions. He’s had good luck against the Saints’ defense in the past.
The Saints recently acquired cornerback Eli Apple from the New York Giants via trade.
Stefon Diggs vs. Eli Apple
With his partner Adam Thielen being contained by Marshawn Lattimore, Stefon Diggs looks to rebound from a dismal performance he displayed last Sunday. Diggs is currently sixth in receiving yards with 468 yards.
Look for Stefon Diggs to give Saints’ cornerback Eli Apple fits all night. Eli Apple will look to make his debut and bounce back with the Saints Sunday night after a rocky stint with the New York Giants.
Prediction
In a game that’s full expectations, most are looking at this game to be high scoring. Both teams have a stout running defense. But with all of the injuries that have hit the Vikings, the Saints have a slight advantage.
The home crowd will look to play as the 12th man though, which will be just enough for the Vikings to limp away with the win.
35-31 Vikings
Photo Credit
Featured Image of Nazrul Islam
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