Game Details
- Match-up: Minnesota Vikings (1-1), New Orleans Saints (0-2)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- Date: Sunday, 21 September 2014
- Time: 12:00pm CDT
- TV: FOX
The Minnesota Vikings have played the New Orleans Saints 30 times overall, and hold a 20-10 series record. Their most recent match up saw the Vikings fall at home in 2011 42-20. The teams meet up for the 31st time this Sunday.
Key Match-ups
Jimmy Graham vs the Vikings Linebackers and Safeties. The only chance Minnesota has at winning this game is getting Drew Brees off of his spot and shutting down Tight End Jimmy Graham. It will be a tall task as the Saints are currently 3-0 at home versus the Vikings since 2008. Minnesota struggled getting Tom Brady uncomfortable in the game this past Sunday.
Players to Watch
Matt Cassel. Last week Bad Matt Cassel reared his head to the tune of 4 Interceptions. Does he rebound from that bad performance and lead the Vikings Offense to a resurgence in New Orleans or does he repeat his performance from week 2 and single-handedly doom their chances of going 2-0 on the road?
Jimmy Graham. Jimmy was kept quiet on the road in Cleveland in week 2 for most of the 1st half, but his emergence in the second half of the game helped the Saints rebound to almost take a win on the road. Keeping him in check will be a very key component in the defensive success the Vikings have on Sunday especially in 3rd down situations.
Prediction
New Orleans has a huge home field advantage, coming home after two consecutive road games and being 0-2 you can be sure they’re going to be fired up and angry looking to take out two weeks of frustration on the Vikings. The Vikings have been a media circus this week with the Adrian Peterson case, and I just don’t see them being focused enough. Saints 35, Vikings 20