Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints Preview and Pick (NFC Championship Game Preview)
NFL Football Betting Preview
Minnesota Vikings (12-4) at New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Sunday January 24th, 6:30PM Eastern
Betus.com betting line – Saints -3.5, 52.5 O/U
The top two seeds in the NFC will meet for the Conference Championship Game this Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings collide with the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. The Saints at one time appeared they could go unbeaten this season in credit to their unstoppable passing offense led by QB Drew Brees and finished with the top record in the NFC. The Vikings on the other hand have had a “magical” season behind QB Brett Farve and at many times appeared to be the most complete team in the NFC this season. After such convincing seasons, it is not any surprise that the Vikings and Saints are both just one game away from the Super Bowl and there is sure to be tons of entertainment when these two explosive offenses take the field this weekend.
The Saints offense closed the year out poorly losing their final 3 games of the season. However, their playoff future was pretty much already set during that final stretch of games and the motivation factor may have been the blame. Those 3 losses were the only defeats the Saints experience all year as their offense posted some big numbers. That offense returned in a big way last week blowing out the Cardinals 45-14. QB Drew Brees completed 23 of 32 passing for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brees actually led the NFL in touchdowns this season with 34 total. The Vikings pass defense has not been extremely impressive against the pass relinquishing 218 yards per game which raises the million dollar question will they be able to stop the pass? Not many have against the Saints as wide receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson deliver a tough tandem to defense. Add in target Robert Meachem who had a 3rd best 722 yards this season and it is easy to see why Brees has so many options to spread the ball around which causes tons of problems for opposing defenses.
One factor that could be a difference maker is the Vikings defensive front. Even though the Vikings may not have the secondary to stop the Saints pass attack, their relentless pass rush could present Brees some troubles. The Vikings sacked Tony Romo a ridiculous 6 times last week in their blowout over the Cowboys and they also led the NFL with 48 sacks on the season. If Jared Allen and Ray Edwards continue to dominate up front, they could make it very hard for Brees to have enough time to deliver the football. More importantly that type of pressure could help the Vikings win the turnover battle which would really help keep the Saints dangerous offense off the field.
As far as the Vikings offense, they were once considered the team of running back Adrian Peterson who is still one of the top running backs in the league. However, it has been pretty obvious that Farve has taken over not only leadership but has stepped up in their biggest games. The question everyone is asking is will the 40 year old “magic man” be able to pull off another milestone victory? Farve threw a playoff career high 4 touchdown passes in last week’s victory over the Cowboys finding his favorite target WR Sidney Rice for 3 of those scores. Farve was 2nd to only Brees in total touchdowns this season with 33 on the year. However, the offensive emergence in the passing game can be given as much credit to Rice rather than most who give credit to Farve. Rice has emerged as the superstar wide receiver who wins nearly every jump ball and catches anything thrown his direction. Rice does not have elite speed or quickness, but athleticism outmatches all defenders and that has proved to be very dangerous. Rice will definitely be needed in a big way this weekend as this game could turn into a quarterback dual as many expect.
Still, respect has to be given to Peterson. Much of the focus has been turned away from Peterson due to the passing offense success and that could work in the Vikings favor. If Vikings Coach Brad Childress wants to put together a smart game plan, Peterson is the x-factor. New Orleans ranks just 21st in the NFL allowing 122 yards per game. If the Vikings get the running game going it will not only keep them in control of the clock, but they could control the pace of the game as well. The Saints have struggled in similar games where teams have had success running the football and have trouble getting into rhythm when that happens.
Pick – The Vikings just seem to have something on the side this season and I’ve learned to not bet against Brett Farve. Take Vikings +3.5
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