The New Orleans Saints have Drew Brees back, and they will look to get their first win since he returned to action when they take on the Minnesota Vikings this coming Saturday. Check out our preview of this clash below.
The Vikings could not prevent suffering yet another losing skid, as they lost their second game in a row after falling prey to the Chicago Bears at home last Sunday, 33-27. However, the pair of running back Dalvin Cook and rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to shine. Cook rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, while Jefferson had 104 receiving yards on eight carries. Minnesota’s offense did a good job in general in that game, but the defense did not. The hope for the Vikings is that linebacker Eric Kendricks is finally going to get back on the field after missing the last three games due to a calf injury. In any case, Minnesota’s attack will be a big challenge even for the Saints. The Vikings are fifth in the NFL with 387.1 total yards per game and fifth as well in rushing attack with 147.7 rushing yards per contest.
The Vikings are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games on the road.
Like the Vikings, New Orleans is also on a two-game slide. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14 on the road, the Saints suffered a 32-29 loss at home in Drew Brees’ first game back from injury last Sunday. Brees looked rusty, as he completed just 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards, though he had three touchdowns against an interception. Brees certainly missed having Michael Thomas downfield, but he’ll have to get used to it. The talented wide receiver is out for the remainder of the regular season due to an ankle injury, which means Emmanuel Sanders, Jared Cook, and Alvin Kamara will all have to step up in the passing attack. Even without Thomas, the Saints can still make things happen through the air in Week 16, as the Vikings are just 24th against the pass.
The Saints are 2-0-1 against the spread in their last three home games.
