8 things to watch during the Vikings preseason game vs. the Saints

The Minnesota Vikings open their preseason with a trip to New Orleans on Friday and there’s plenty to watch for in our first look at the purple and gold in 2019.

For fans of the Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the NFL, the preseason is an exercise in patience. While owners charge full price for glorified scrimmages (and now joint practices that happen the week of the game), the players on the field have to go through and make it a meaningful contest as roster spots and starting positions are on the line from the second they step on the field.

For the Vikings, the beginning of that journey begins with a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Friday night, where they’ll get a glimpse at one of their biggest NFC rivals in the New Orleans Saints. Although Mike Zimmer and company probably won’t see much of Michael Thomas, Drew Brees, and Alvin Kamara, there’s still plenty of storylines to keep fans entertained.

While many will have their eyes fixed to how the offensive line stacks up in the first action in the Gary Kubiak/Kevin Stefanski regime, there will also be things to watch on the other side of the ball where the Vikings will look for their fourth safety and try to find some good mojo in the kicking game.

All things considered, it’s likely to be an interesting night as the Vikings (unofficially) take the field for the first time this season.