Saints at Vikings: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

In the season opener for Monday Night Football in 2017, the Minnesota Vikings will welcome the New Orleans Saints to town.

In Week 1, the NFL will feature two games on Monday Night Football, with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints kicking off the double feature. Both teams come into the game hungry after missing the playoffs in 2016, so expect some fireworks early on. In addition, a former Vikings legend is currently playing for the Saints, making this one a much-anticipated game in the Twin Cities.

That player is Adrian Peterson, who was the face of Vikings football for ten seasons. He proved to be too expensive for the team to keep due to his age, so they will roll with a rookie at running back in 2017. Dalvin Cook broke all of Warrick Dunn’s rushing records at Florida State, so he should bring a nice wrinkle to a Vikings offense that was a bit pedestrian last season.

One offense that is never pedestrian is the Drew Brees-led Saints, who can light it up on any occasion. Brees lost his top option in Brandin Cooks this offseason, but Mike Thomas should easily be able to fill that role in 2017. The tandem of Peterson and Mark Ingram should be a good one in the backfield as well, making this Saints offense one to watch again this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings clearly have the advantage. They have one of the best secondarys in the NFC, so Brees may find it hard to pick them apart on Monday night. New Orleans always struggles to get stops, so the Vikings should be able to do enough offensively to pull out the victory in this one.

Odds

Line: New Orleans (+3.5)

Over/Under: 48.0

The Saints should be able to put points on the board, so I do not see this being more than a field goal game. While 48 may be a high number, if Brees goes off, this could be a high-scoring night. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to sportsbookreview.com for any changes up until kickoff.

Next: FanSided 2017 NFL Preview

Prediction

Monday Night Football is ultimate cap to the football week, and we will be treated to a good one in the opener. The Vikings and Saints should both be playoff contenders this season, but Minnesota may be too tough at home. Brees is going to get his yards, but this secondary should put the clamps down and lead the Vikings to a squeaker on Monday night.

Final Score: Vikings 24 Saints 21