5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints – Week 16
By Chris Schad
Zimmer’s success against Brees will continue
Drew Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but his performances against Mike Zimmer have been far from perfect.
Since Zimmer took over as the Vikings head coach in 2014, Brees has played Minnesota five times and posted a passer rating of 98.9 while compiling a 2-3 record in those matchups (including 0-2 in the playoffs).
It’s possible that a veteran like Brees could light up the Vikings’ young secondary, but it would be a surprise considering his current state. The Saints quarterback just came back from multiple broken ribs in addition to a punctured lung and against Kansas City, he settled for shorter throws instead of airing it out downfield.
Minnesota’s Cover-2 scheme could allow Brees to have a big day that way. But it’s more likely that New Orleans would rather lean on their ground game or bring in Taysom Hill if they want to throw downfield.
With Brees’ top weapon, Michael Thomas, on injured reserve, it could be a modest day for the veteran quarterback, which should keep the Vikings in the ballgame.