Welcome to the Vendetta 2020 NFL Wildcard Playoff Preview. We have a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings traveling to the New Orleans to take on the Saints. This is a rematch of the famous Minnesota Miracle Game with Case Keenum hitting Stefon Diggs with no time on the clock. The difference is that game was in Minnesota. New Orleans will look to get their revenge in what could be Drew Brees’ last real chance to win it. Let’s preview the game for why each team could advance to the Divisional round.
10-6 Minnesota At 13-3 New Orleans
Point Spread: New Orleans -7.5
Sunday, January 5, 2020 – ESPN
2020 NFL Wildcard Preview: Minnesota At New Orleans
Why The Minnesota Vikings Will Win
1: Vikings Know How To Play In A Dome
The Vikings are 8-2 in a Dome this year. 2-0 on the road in domes. This is what the Vikings are used to. The Super Dome in New Orleans may not be the advantage it may seem. The Vikings have their own dome and they’re pretty good when they play in them. Makes sense given the roster construction of the Vikings. I’m not saying it won’t be a challenge to play in New Orleans but the Vikings should be more than prepared for this environment.
2: Defense Can Limit Drew Brees
The Vikings and Saints have played each other 3 times since 2017. Minnesota has given up an average of 24 points per game. That’s not great but not bad either. The Vikings have some defensive pieces that can make an impact on this game. Eric Kendricks is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Mike Hughes has started to come on as of late.
The Saints offensive line has overwhelmed teams all year. Enter Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter. Those two combined for 22.5 sacks on the season. If they get after Brees, game on. Linval Joseph will do his part clogging up the run too.
3: Diggs – Thielen Can Overwhelm Secondary
The Saints have beat teams up and their defense is much better than the Saints of old. Marshon Lattimore has been able to take guys away all year. Problem is the Vikings present a different challenge. They have two game wrecking wide outs. It’s why the Vikings have beat the Saints in the past. This is the type of game Eli Apple gets picked on.
The Vikings can put up points if those two guys win their matchups. The Vikings also have Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith this time around. The two tight end sets are dangerous for opposing defenses. This team has talent on both sides of the ball.
Why The New Orleans Will Win
1: C’Mon It’s Kirk Cousins
Do I need to say anything else? Big spot Kirk Cousins always fails. He’s 0 for a billion in prime time. All he does is lose big games. The other team has Drew Brees. Do we even have to play this game?
2: Dalvin Cook Isn’t Healthy
Dalvin Cook is the most important piece for this Vikings offense. There’s a reason why Cook was a legit MVP candidate earlier this season. Then Cook got hurt and the Vikings haven’t been the same. In a game where it counted with the division on the line, Kirk Cousins looked lost and Green Bay smoked them. Cook hasn’t played in 4 weeks. Which guy are we getting Sunday. If the one that shows up isn’t 100 percent, just send Minnesota home now.
3: Revenge
Drew Brees is tired of getting screwed over. First it was the Minnesota Miracle. Then it was the refs with the no call against the Rams. This is Drew Brees’ time to shine. Simple as that. This man has been licking his chops to pummel Minnesota and that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
I gotta be honest, I was having a hard time finding reasons how the Vikings win this game. I think it’s going to be a blood bath. Never close from the jump. Saints bury the Vikings and advance.
