The NFL Week 8 Sunday slate concludes with a match between two NFC titans in Minneapolis. In a rematch of last year’s crazy NFC Divisional playoff game, the Vikings play host to the New Orleans Saints. That was one of the better playoff games in recent memory, with a Stefon Diggs game-winning touchdown as time expired to send the Vikings through to the NFC Championship. Both teams have built on their strong 2017 campaigns and each leads their respective divisions through the first 7 weeks. In what looks to be the best game on the board this week, let’s analyse our 3 best bets.
Where to Watch: ESPN, 7 Mate or NFL Game Pass Monday 11:20 am
Minnesota Vikings
The 4-2-1 Vikings enter this matchup fresh off three consecutive victories. It was their renowned defence that was the catalyst for last week’s win over the Jets. They forced 4 turnovers from QB Sam Darnold and allowed him to complete just 40% of his passes. Similarly, they held the usually strong Jets rushing attack to just 3 yards per carry in what was a dominant display. Facing the Drew Brees led offence in primetime is one of the biggest challenges an NFL defence can face. Ultimately, it’s one I think this Harrison Smith and Eric Kendricks led defence can handle.
Offensively, things have really picked up for Minnesota in recent weeks. New QB Kirk Cousins has put up some gaudy numbers in this campaign, having completed 70% of his passes with 14 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen have continued to comprise one of the NFL’s best receiving duos, combining for 8 touchdowns and just under 1300 yards on the campaign. Running Back Latavius Murray has stepped up big time in recent weeks, with 224 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns in the last fortnight. The Vikings offense will have to be at their best to secure victory here.
New Orleans Saints
After a surprise opening day home loss to Tampa Bay, the New Orleans Saints have won an impressive 5 straight games. Perhaps the best of these was a brilliant comeback win over Baltimore last week. Undoubtedly the primary strength of this team is their incredible offence, led by star QB Drew Brees. Brees is completing 77% of his passes for 13 touchdowns with 0 interceptions in a truly flawless campaign. Receiver Michael Thomas has emerged as one of the league’s best, hauling in 53 receptions on his 58 targets so far. Dual-threat Running Back Alvin Kamara makes this offense tick, totalling over 700 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns this campaign.
Defensively, the Saints have largely been very good so far this season. They’ve allowed 23 points or less in 4 of their 6 games so far. With an offense this good, this is typically more than enough to win comfortably. Pass rusher Cameron Jordan has led this unit with 5 sacks so far. The controversial Linebacker Manti Te’o has continued to deliver strong performances through the middle, whilst CB Marshon Lattimore has held things in check on the back end. As probably the weakest of the 4 units in this matchup, this will be a tough test for this emerging New Orleans offence.
Best Bets
Vikings Moneyline
Whilst the Saints have the revenge factor from last year’s playoff game, I can’t overlook the Vikings here. This game represents a great opportunity for them to distance themselves in a competitive NFC North. This is the fourth road game in five for New Orleans and I have to believe fatigue is starting to take its toll. Especially after an emotional victory in Baltimore last week, I think Minnesota comes into this one as the much fresher team.
Moreover, the Vikings also match up well with this Saints side. Whilst the Saints are a great offense, I can’t see their passing offence being as effective away from home against this Minnesota defence. Similarly, Kirk Cousins has helped to elevate this Vikings offense to a new level. In what I expect to be a close game, I believe his connection with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen will prove the difference.
Under 52 Points
Although these are two impressive offences, I believe that having this game on primetime has somewhat overinflated this total. Even in the offense heavy NFL, this is a lot of points for what I expect to be a hard fought and competitive fixture. Each of these defences is also much better than the general public believes. Both sides have held their opponents to 23 points or less in 4 of their games this season.
This is in large part due to their excellence on pass defence. Both of these sides defences have some of the top pass rushers in the NFL and will really test the opposing offensive lines. Combine this with some strong defensive back play and it won’t be as easy for these two high-flying offences this week.
Vikings 1st Quarter Team Total Over 5 Points
Tying in with my Vikings Head-to-Head bet, I believe they’ll get out to a strong start in this one. They’ve eclipsed this total in 4 of their fixtures so far this season, including the last two. With a full-game total of 26, I also believe that just 5 first quarter points represents great line value. This is easily achievable with a touchdown or two field goals, which is very realistic for this strong offence. Having had some success with this play in recent weeks, I’m going back to the well here.
Best Bet: Vikings Moneyline
In a huge spot with the whole nation watching, I’m confident the Vikings can pull this one out. U.S. Bank Stadium has become somewhat of a fortress for Minnesota due to its acoustics and raucous crowd. Combine this with their strong defence and they have what it takes to limit this Saints passing attack. Between two very talented teams, I believe this homefield advantage will prove the difference as Minnesota wins a close one.
Score Prediction: Minnesota Vikings 27-24 New Orleans Saints