On Monday Night Football in Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings will play host to the New Orleans Saints inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
When the Minnesota Vikings line up to play the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, there will be a familiar face staring back at them. Adrian Peterson was the face of Vikings football for the last ten years, ever since the team selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. The Vikings let him walk this offseason, and will get their first look at him in his new digs in Week 1.
For the Saints, they are hoping the addition of Peterson will help them get back to their winning ways. They have won only seven games per season in each of the last three years, and head coach Sean Payton is officially on the hot seat. They still have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Drew Brees, so expect the offense to be potent once again in 2017.
The Vikings will have Sam Bradford under center for the second straight year, and he has looked good this Summer. Rookie Dalvin Cook will take over for Peterson as the starting running back, and local boy Michael Floyd has been given a second chance at his NFL career by the team. As has been the case the last few seasons, the Vikings defense is elite in 2017, and could be the difference in this one.
TV Schedule
Date: Monday, September 11
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Monday Night Football will be broadcasted on ESPN throughout the season, and in Week 1, we will be treated to a doubleheader. The Vikings and Saints will kick off the two-game set, and will be followed by the Los Angeles Chargers at the Denver Broncos.
Betting Odds
Point spread: NO (+3.5)
Over/Under: 48.0
The Saints always put up points, but the Vikings defense may be too much in this one. Playing at home, the Vikings are nearly a four-point favorite, though I feel this is going to be a field goal difference. The line and over/under has changed a lot since opening, so check out sportsbookreview.com for up-to-date numbers prior to kick off.
Next: FanSided 2017 NFL Preview
Prediction
Defense wins championships, and the Vikings have a good one this year. Bradford should be much better in his second season with the offense, and Cook broke all of Florida State’s rushing records in only three seasons. Minnesota has the firepower on offense to put up points, and their defense is going to be a tough match for the Saints in this one.
Expect Brees to keep the Saints in the game, possibly leading them to a late touchdown to cut the lead to a field goal. If the spread stays over 3.0, take the Saints, but I do not think they will reach the over/under of 48. This one is going to be tight, but the Vikings defense will make a play to pull it out late in the season opener of Monday Night Football.
Final Score: Vikings 24, Saints 21
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