The New Orleans Saints had a rough start to their season as their first two opponents were the Vikings and Patriots. The Saints lost 29-19 in Minnesota and 36-20 against the Patriots in New Orleans, but they followed their 0-2 start with an 8-0 run and they finished the regular season 11-5. The Saints offense has shown the ability to produce yardage and points not only on the arm of breeze but also the legs of Mark Ingram and the rookie sensation Alvin Kamara. The Vikings, meanwhile, have weathered a flurry of injuries to key players without faltering, and put together a dominant 13-3 season. As a bonus, the Vikings have the good fortune of the Super Bowl taking place in their home stadium. If the Vikings were to reach the Super Bowl, they would likely have an overwhelming home field advantage. First, they're going to have to win their next two games.
The Vikings are nearly perfect at home this season with a 7-1 record in Minneapolis. The Saints, by contrast, are 4-4 on the road, and lost all of their last three road contests. I would hate to oversimplify this game, but I have little faith in New Orleans to go into Minnesota and beat a rested Vikings team. The Saints ranked 10th in the league in points allowed this season, but the Vikings D ranked first, and the Vikings offense ranked a surprising 10th despite being led by Case Keenum. Keenum, in fact, finished the regular season with the 2rd ranked quarterback rating in the league, much to the amazement of anyone who realized it. New Orleans offense ranked 4th on the season in scoring with 28 points per game, but that average fell in road games to 23.375 and only 20.33 during their current road losing streak.
This all isn't to say the Saints won't put up a fight, but going on the road to face a rested team with the greatest defense in the NFL is a tall task for any team--especially one that has struggled on the road for the last two months. After watching the Vikings suffocate nearly every team they played this year, I have little doubt that they'll at least limit the Saints offense to under 30 points, and that might just be enough to win this game.
PREDICTION: VIKINGS 30-23
AS I WRITE THIS, THE JAGUARS JUST PUT WHAT SHOULD PROVE TO BE THE PROVERBIAL NAIL IN THE STEELERS' COFFIN!
AS ALWAYS
GO RAVENS!!
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