Minnesota Vikings vs Saints in Week 8: The New Orleans perspective

5. What should be the most intriguing matchup (players or units) during Week 5?

Easily the Saints secondary against the Vikings receivers. It’s been the storyline for ten months for good reason. And, this season, the storyline for the Saints on defense has been the poor play of Ken Crawley which led them to trade for Eli Apple. I wouldn’t’ think Apple will get much playing time on Sunday being so new to the system, but Thielen and Diggs will definitely be the main focus of the Saints in this game. Expect to see a lot of disguised coverages as defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks to solve this puzzle.

BONUS: What is your prediction for an outcome and final score?

The Saints just showed their ability to come out on top over a strong defense on the road last week against the Ravens. But they need to establish tempo early on rather than relying on another fourth-quarter comeback. That means plenty of pounding the ball and trying to control the clock. Angry Mark Ingram will be featured heavily.

But, if the injuries on the Vikings defense come into play, expect some attempts to stretch the field and strike quickly with Tre’Quan Smith and Michael Thomas. I think the Saints are more ready for this one than they’ve ever been and that leads to them coming out on top.

Saints 34 Vikings 31.

Huge thanks go out to Roy Anderson of Who Dat Dish for taking the time to answer these questions about the upcoming game on Sunday Night Football! Enjoy the game and may the best team win!