SmashMouth

What is the key to stopping Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram? "They're good players. They're really good players. You've gotta get your hands on them, you've gotta get them to the ground. You have to be a great tackler with them guys. … You've just gotta be on your game. You'd better be a great tackler, a great cover player, all that with them."

Who would scare you more: Ingram and Kamara or Drew Brees? "Neither scares me. But if I had to choose, I'd say Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram because they can beat you in the pass and in the run. Part of that has to do with Brees, but what they do once they have the ball is all them."

Where is the Saints' defense vulnerable? "When we played them, they were a pretty solid group. They got after us a lot of different ways. From my vantage point, they're very talented. Their secondary has improved. They're just playing with confidence right now. They're playing well. I can't say anything bad about them."

Prediction: The best thing about the Saints this year is they can win with their running game, passing game or defense. And they proved it last week when the Panthers became the first opponent to really focus on shutting down the running game and forcing Drew Brees to beat them (he gladly obliged with his best performance of the year). Unfortunately, the Vikings’ defense is good enough to stop both. They’re ranked No. 1 in both yards allowed and points allowed, No. 2 against both the pass and the run. First-team All-Pro cornerback Xavier Rhodes can help nullify the Saints’ go-to receiver Michael Thomas, while first-team All-Pro safety Harrison Smith can help defend Ingram and Kamara, and second-team All-Pro Everson Griffen can provide a pass rush. This game will have to be a showcase for Saints coach Sean Payton’s game-planning greatness just like last week was a showcase for Brees. Vikings 26, Saints 23 -- Mike Triplett, Saints reporter

2017 NFL playoffs: Player scouting reports and game predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN

WhoDat!656

I believe the Saints will get a 10/14 point lead and that will pressure Keenum will cause him to turn the ball over.

34-27 Saints

saintsfan1976

We won 26-24 or we lose 23-16. I’m torn.

Cruize

There's nothing "sexy" about the Vikings. But, I just can't see the Saints winning. I think they will be flat. Essentially, just out of gas. Great run from 0-2. Lots to be proud of. Lots to be positive about moving forward. Brees will throw a couple picks. Ingram will have a fumble. And the Vikings will have two big plays vs. none for the Saints. Not to mention all the bad history in Minnesota. 30-13 Vikings.

Pete

Go back to bed and try again Cruize

It Won't be easy there's no doubt but I'm hoping we chew yards up on dump offs in the flats and dirty work their LB's..
Kamara aint tired yet and we not done just yet.

Positive Pete signing off..........

WHO-DAT!

The Dude

I hate to say it but I agree. Injuries are going to catch up with us this game and our glaring holes are going to lose this one. We need great special teams play and the ability to convert on third down. Both have been issues all year and it’s not going to magically go away.
It has been a great season win or lose. We were competitive all year and played fun to watch football. This team reminds me of the 2006 team. An over achieving team who got a spark from some new faces and a great locker room.
We are only a player or two away from a SB. I think it’s attainable in the next year or two.

"Where life had no value, death, sometimes, had its price. That is why the bounty killers appeared."

Vrillon82

worst thing the Saints can allow the Vikings to do is control the clock for a long time. If we use ball control and im talking Saints having 10+ min more in TOP by the time 4th quarter starts, then we may pull it out.

CheramieIII

I think I said 33-17 Saints or something like that! This should really motivate the Saints along with Favre picking the Vikings. If I was playing I would be totally pissed right now and take it out on everyone during the game.

spkb25

We have a ton of injuries, difficult game no matter what. Think too many injuries could be the difference today

Rugby Saint II

It all depends on which way the balls rolls and who gets the breaks or bad calls by the referees. There are a lot of variables and it could go either way.