Vikings vs. Saints Week 5 Tracker: Inactives, predictions, storylines and more

Before the start of the 2026 season, few people probably had the Minnesota Vikings beginning their schedule with four straight wins. But that's exactly what has happened, and now the 4-0 Vikings will head south in Week 5 for a matchup with the hated New Orleans Saints.

Coming off an embarrassing 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons this past Monday, the Saints are only 1-3 this year, but that doesn't mean they're a team that the Vikings should take lightly.

Minnesota and New Orleans have had multiple classic battles in the past, and this weekend's contest has the potential to create some new memories in this bitter conference rivalry.

Leading up to Sunday's showdown in New Orleans, we'll have all the latest injury updates for both teams (including inactives as soon as they're shared before kickoff), predictions from several national experts, what storylines to watch out for in the game, and much more right here.

So bookmark this page and check back throughout the next few days for everything you need to know about Sunday's contest between the Vikings and Saints.

1. Vikings Inactives for Week 5
2. Saints Inactives for Week 5
3. How to Watch Vikings at Saints in Week 5
4. TV Map for Week 5
5. Vikings Injury Report for Week 5
6. Saints Injury Report for Week 5
7. Biggest Vikings Storylines heading into Week 5
8. Predictions for Vikings at Saints in Week 5

Last Updated: Sunday, October 11 at 10:35 a.m. CST

Vikings Inactives for Week 5

• Jordan Addison - WR
• Odell Beckham Jr. - WR
• Jakobe Thomas - S
• Max Brosmer - QB (Emergency QB3)
• Elijah Williams - DL
• Christian Darrisaw - LT
• Charles Demmings - CB

Saints Inactives for Week 5

• Zach Wilson - QB (Emergency QB3)
• Anfernee Jennings - EDGE
• Mike Reid - S
• Kaden Elliss - LB
• Jeremiah Wright - OG
• Vernon Broughton - DL
• Nathan Shepherd - DL

How to Watch Vikings at Saints in Week 5

• Date: Sunday, October 11
• Time: 12:00 p.m. CST
• Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• TV Network: FOX
• Announcers: Adam Amin (Play-by-Play), Drew Brees (Color Analyst), Kristina Pink (Sideline)

TV Map for Week 5

Vikings Injury Report for Week 5

Saints Injury Report for Week 5

Biggest Vikings Storylines heading into Week 5

Will Minnesota play it smart with Justin Jefferson?

If the Vikings were playing in a playoff game on Sunday, there would likely be no questions about Justin Jefferson suiting up for Minnesota. But the Vikings are 4-0, and they're about to head into their bye after the matchup in New Orleans, so it's fair to wonder if Minnesota should sit Jefferson for another game or not.

Jefferson is likely going to push to play since the matchup will be taking place in his home state of Louisiana, but letting him continue to rest his injured ankle for another week, in addition to having more time off during the bye, could potentially be more beneficial for his health for the remainder of the season.

How will Minnesota's banged-up offensive line perform?

Donovan Jackson is done for the season with a knee injury, and Christian Darrisaw will likely be out on Sunday after suffering a concussion in Week 4. Joe Huber is expected to take over for Jackson at left guard, and either Ryan Van Demark or rookie Caleb Tiernan would likely step in at left tackle for Darrisaw if he can't go.

Containing Saints edge rusher Chase Young will be one of the Vikings' top priorities in the matchup, and stopping him is easier said than done. At the very least, Minnesota should fully expect New Orleans's defense to test the left side of their offensive line early and often on Sunday.

How many times will the Vikings sack Tyler Shough?

Heading into Week 5, the Vikings lead the NFL in sacks with 16, and on Sunday, they'll get to face a Saints' offense that is allowing an average of three sacks per game this season.

During the last two weeks, New Orleans starting left tackle Asim Richards has given up a total of 14 pressures, and now he gets to go up against Minnesota edge rusher Dallas Turner, who currently ranks second in the league with 28 pressures this year.

Good luck Mr. Richards.

Can Kyler Murray make Vikings fans happy?

This offseason, the Vikings brought Kyler Murray in an effort to improve the team's quarterback play after a disappointing performance at the position by J.J. McCarthy in 2025. So far, Murray's time on the field with Minnesota's offense has only produced one passing touchdown.

In Week 5, the Vikings will be taking on a Saints defense that opposing quarterbacks have had a 105.5 passer rating against this season, which ranks 27th in the NFL.

It would seem like this matchup would be a great opportunity for Murray to put up some impressive numbers, but many thought that would be the case against the Miami Dolphins last week, and that didn't happen.

Predictions for Vikings at Saints in Week 5

NFL Media Experts

• Bucky Brooks - Vikings
• Brooke Cersosimo - Vikings
• Tom Grossi - Vikings
• Grant Gordon - Vikings
• Colleen Wolfe - Vikings
• Brooke Cersosimo - Vikings
• Dan Parr - Vikings
• Kevin Patra - Vikings
• Brandon Perna - Vikings

• Nick Shook - Saints
• Lance Zierlein - Saints

ESPN Experts

• Matt Bowen - Vikings
• Jeremy Fowler - Vikings
• Kalyn Kahler - Vikings
• Eric Moody - Vikings
• Lindsey Thiry - Vikings
• Mike Clay - Vikings
• Dan Graziano - Vikings
• Jason Reid - Vikings

• Pamela Maldonado - Saints
• Ben Solak - Saints
• Seth Wickersham - Saints

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