The New Orleans Saints get another crack at the Minnesota Vikings in the postseason, a shot at redemption in the wake of the “Minneapolis Miracle,” when Case Keenum heaved a prayer down the field, which Stefon Diggs hauled in and took to the house for a late touchdown in a game that looked like it was going to New Orleans. The next year, the Saints made it one round further, only to have a non-call on a clear instance of pass interference play a major role in the Saints’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship. This time around, the Saints are heavy favorites in the two teams’ wild card round matchup. Can the Saints take another step toward a Super Bowl title? Or will Minnesota put the dagger in the Saints’ title hopes for the second time in three seasons? We have your sports betting preview for this NFC wild card clash right here.
Vikings vs Saints 2020 NFL Wild Card Spread, Analysis & Pick
- When: Sunday, January 5, 2020, 1:05 pm ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
- TV: FOX
- Radio: Westwood One
- Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
- NFL Odds: New Orleans -7.5
Why should you bet on Minnesota?
Minnesota fell to Chicago in Week 17, with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and starting tailback Dalvin Cook looking on from the sideline, but Cook should return for the playoffs after suffering a shoulder injury. He had struggled down the stretch, running for just 144 yards in his last four games. Having Cook in the game makes life much easier for Cousins, as he is a legitimate threat to break off a big run.
Cousins has thrown for 3,603 yards and 26 touchdowns this season, with only six interceptions. Cook has run for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, and he also is second on the team in receptions, with 53 catches for 519 yards. Stefon Diggs has caught 63 passes for 1,130 yards and six scores, while Adam Thielen has struggled with hamstring issues, catching only 30 passes for 418 yards — but scoring six touchdowns. On defense, Minnesota has held the opposition to a 43.7 percent touchdown rate in the red zone, second best in the league. But can the stop the Saints?
Why should you put your money on New Orleans?
The Saints pummeled Carolina in Week 17, rolling to a 42-10 win and 13-3 regular season record. They scored at least 34 points in six of their last seven games, and they won their last three games by a combined 69 points. So if any offense in the league is playing at peak level right now, it is the Saints’ attack. They have scored touchdowns in 80 percent of their red zone trips in these last three games, so they will give the Vikings’ red zone defense all they can handle.
On defense, the Saints permit just 1.7 red zone trips per contest, tops in the league. New Orleans only permits a 34.8 percent third down conversion rate, sixth best in the elague. Drew Brees had a tremendous season, throwing for 2,979 yards and 27 touchdowns, despite missing a few games early in the season due to injury. Tailbacks Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray have combined for 1,434 yards and ten touchdowns, and wide receiver Michael Thomas led the league with 149 catches, picking up 1,725 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Tight end Jared Cook caught 43 balls for 705 yards and nine scores. If you like the Saints, you see them controlling the action on both sides of the ball.
Final Score Prediction
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a raucous environment that makes it hard for opponents to come in and win. The Saints have plenty of motivation to push through to the next round, while the Vikings have issues when they face a solid pass rush. I like New Orleans to roll to a 31-20 win and move on to the divisional round.
