5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints – Week 16
By Chris Schad
New Orleans’ rushing attack will turn in a monster day
The Saints have been known as a team that’s been able to air it out over the years, but that might not be the case on Friday. With Drew Brees looking older by the snap and Michael Thomas currently on injured reserve, New Orleans will likely decide to lean on their rushing attack headed by Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray.
Kamara is the obvious threat as he’s a key contributor both on the ground and through the air. The Tennessee product is closing in on a career-high in rushing yards with 777, but his biggest threat will likely be in the receiving game with Eric Kendricks missing another game. With Brees relying on shorter throws, Kamara should be a likely target and one that can rack up plenty of yards.
Oddly enough, Kamara might not be the biggest problem on Sunday. Instead, the Vikings may have to worry more about an old friend in Murray.
The former Minnesota running back has been a great fit in New Orleans, posting 584 yards and four touchdowns on the ground this season, but he also has been known to have a big game.
With David Montgomery torching the Vikings defense for 146 rushing yards last week, it would make sense for the Saints to devise a game plan around Murray with Kamara sprinkled into their passing attack. If New Orleans gets that going, they will be tough for Minnesota to stop.