'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#1 New Orleans Saints (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1) (SNF)
The rematch of the Minneapolis Miracle. There is no better matchup to have at primetime this week than the two teams which had an epic NFC Divisional Matchup this past January which ended on a walk-off Case Keenum touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs. But, Keenum is no longer with the Vikings, it is Kirk Cousins time and his big contract is showing its worth so far this season.
Trending
But, things have changed massively for both the teams since then. Saints despite losing the first game of the season to the Fitzmagic's Bucs came back roaring with five straight wins. Lock in for a Saints vs Rams NFC Championship game.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Drew Brees is determined to win his second Superbowl ring. He is breaking records and creating new ones this season. His season reminds me of Peyton Manning's historic 2013 season with the Denver Broncos. Brees will need that kind of performance again to possibly tie it up with the Rams for the Conference top seed.
Brees will face a very good Vikings defence who will get back the defensive end Everson Griffen back. Vikings D will need to look out for not one but two running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Ingram, despite being shut down in the week 7 win against the Ravens, had a good start against Washington where he scored two touchdowns. He will remain the goal line back for the Saints.
Vikings will somehow need to find a way to contain the dynamic WR Michael Thomas who isn't getting much love among the trade pundits despite having a great season.
The Saints, on the other hand, need to improve their defence against this dynamic Vikings offence. Adam Thielen is having a great season. He is arguably the number 1 WR in the league right now. Kirk Cousins has been good but he will need to go toe-to-toe with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.
Fantasy Outlook
Must Start:
Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings: Saints give up most points to WR and Thielen leads the league in passing yards, do the math.
Under the Radar:
Benjamin Watson, TE Saints: Vikings give up 7th most points for the TEs and look out for Watson to get more targets with Xavier Rhodes shadowing Thomas.
Caution:
No defences this game as well.
Latavius Murray, RB Vikings: With Cook out, Murray has been great the past two weeks, but they face a Saints defence which gives up fourth fewest to RBs.
Prediction
Saints still have that Minneapolis Miracle wound fresh in their minds. They will look for the revenge and The Vikings will want to use that to their advantage. But, Saints will prevail this time with their own version of Minneapolis Miracle for a go-ahead touchdown to end the Sunday Night Matchup in OT.
Saints 36, Vikings 30
