Kickoff 2010: Vikings at Saints Preview

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Last Updated on Thursday, 9th Sep 2010, 

Written by BetRepublic

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MINNESOTA AT NEW ORLEANS
Line: Saints -5.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Brett Favre is back with Minnesota for a second season and after the numbers he posted in 2009; it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve the right for one more chance at Super Bowl glory.

Favre threw for 33 TDs, seven INTs and had a 107.2 passer rating in a season that ended against these Saints just one step shy of the big dance vs. Indianapolis.


Minnesota’s offense has a different look on the outside after WR Rice (hip) was forced to undergo surgery and the targets that will lineup tonight have a huge gap to fill. Rice led the team last year in receptions (83).

New Orleans brings nearly all of its offensive talent back but it is the Saints defense that could be the biggest hurdle between a championship repeat.

FS Darren Sharper (knee), who led the team with nine INTs, will start the season on the Saints' PUP list. Malcolm Jenkins will start in his place and while Jenkins is relatively unknown after being injured during his rookie season, D-Co Williams is convinced he will be a great talent. Jenkins did have one INT last season in Week 3 vs. San Diego.

STOPPING THE RUN
Adrian Peterson is poised for a big year and with Chester Taylor (Chicago) gone, AP will need to play a more diverse role in the offense. The Vikes need more help in pass protection and on critical third down carries while second round pick Toby Gerhart learns the program.

With 20 fumbles (13 lost) in his career, ball security has always been Peterson’s biggest flaw but he has put extra attention this off-season to curbing that habit.

New Orleans allowed 8-of-10 visitors last season, playoffs included, to rush for more than 100 yards.

PASS RUSH
The Saints improved their pass rush this year but it can’t compare with the best unit in the NFC. By the same token, New Orleans was fourth in the league at protecting the QB and will be well prepared at giving QB Brees time to work his trade.


The Saints played 5 overs and 2 unders through the first seven weeks of 2009 and when the total was set between 45-50 points, also hit at 5-2 O/U.

The past five meetings between these teams have all played over the total.

EARLY SEASON
Both teams have had strong opening day records the past few years but it should be noted that the Saints faced Tampa Bay and Detroit in 2008-09.

There will be plenty of pre-game ceremonies slowing down the start of this game and when you throw in the rivalry from January, we feel it pretty much trumps any of the recent Week 1 trends.

INJURY REPORT
Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) and Jonathan Vilma (groin) were question marks but both have been upgraded to probable and should see full action.

Vikings C Sullivan (calf) missed most of the preseason and the team is considering a shuffle with Anthony Herrera handling the snaps and Chris DeGeare, a fifth-round pick from Wake Forest, playing left guard. It would add size to the line but also bring inexperience.

BR OUTLOOK
All drama aside, we think that Favre will do a good job handling this makeshift offense and getting his team into the endzone. It usually takes a lot of scoring to stick with the Saints but Minnesota’s defense is going to be up for this game and we think the Vikes will stay close, possibly winning straight-up.
Take the Vikings

SU: Straight-up
ATS: Against the spread
O/U: Over/Under

Lines provided by Sportsbetting.com