Adam Carlson:
Vikings win 30-24
The Minnesota Vikings enter the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with one extra week of rest and preparation, but they will need every bit of that advantage during the final game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints are a very dangerous team. If a defense can stop the run game of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, they will need to deal with the passing game of former Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, making them very hard to stop.
However, if any team is up to the task of containing the offensive firepower of New Orleans, it is the Vikings. Built to stop the run with a strong secondary, the defense should be able to hold the Saints to under 30 points. But that means that it will be up to Minnesota’s offense to win this game.
Case Keenum may not have any playoff experience, but he has been overcoming the odds all year. If he can keep mistakes to a minimum and be efficient with the football, the Vikings should have a great chance of keeping in this game, especially with the crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium behind them.
This game will hinge on the ability of Everson Griffen to attack Terron Armstead, who has struggled to stay healthy due to a thigh injury. If the “Sack Daddy” can get consistent pressure on Brees while containing the run, Minnesota will be able to get a big win at home and advance to the conference championship round of the playoffs.