Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints Betting Preview
Sunday afternoon features a battle between NFC North and South as the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) take on the New Orleans Saints (1-2) overseas. The Saints will be the home team on the scoreboard as the two teams play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 am ET.
The Vikings are the favorite in this one. They are -142 to win, while the Saints’ moneyline sits at +120. The spread features New Orleans +2.5, and the over/under for total points is 43.5.
Minnesota Looks To Continue Strong Start
Three games into the season, the Minnesota Vikings have beaten two division rivals as they have jumped out to a fast start. Still, they have the second-best odds of winning the NFC North at +165, but they will look to keep their momentum going as they take on the Saints overseas.
Last week, the Vikings were able to defeat the Detroit Lions 28-24. In the win, Kirk Cousins threw for 260 yards and two scores, while both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison rushed for touchdowns.
On the season, Cousins has thrown for 758 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. His favorite receiver has been Justin Jefferson, who has 18 receptions for 246 yards and two scores.
Unfortunately, Minnesota’s best running back, Dalvin Cook, is questionable in this one with a shoulder injury. He has rushed for 203 yards and a score on 43 attempts.
Defensively, the team ranks ninth in scoring defense as they are allowing just 18.3 points per game to opponents.
Saints Look To Stop Skid
After winning their opening week 27-26 over the Falcons, the New Orleans Saints have suffered back-to-back losses to the Buccaneers (20-10) and the Carolina Panthers (22-14). On Sunday, they will look to get back into the win column.
Under center for the Saints has been veteran Jameis Winston. In three games, he has thrown for 858 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has also been sacked 11 times thus far.
Winston’s favorite targets to this point have been Chris Olave (17 receptions, 268 yards) and Michael Thomas (16 receptions, 171 yards, three touchdowns). It is worth noting that Thomas is questionable for Sunday’s game with a toe injury.
On the ground, Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram II have done the most damage. Kamara has rushed for 100 yards on 24 carries, while Ingram has rushed for 98 yards on 19 carries.
The Saints rank 19th in scoring defense. They are allowing opponents an average of 22.7 points per game.
Take Vikings To Win
Looking solely at the trends, the Vikings have not fared well as of late. Over the last several seasons, they have lost six of their last nine games against the Saints. Additionally, they are 1-4 against the spread in their last five road games, stemming back to last year.
Still, there is a reason they are the favorites. New Orleans has really struggled with consistency, especially on the offensive side. In fact, in their last two games, they have scored just 24 combined points, less than they scored in Week 1 alone.
With Jameis Winston struggling with turnovers and sacks, the Vikings’ offense should be able to outscore the Saints. Even if Dalvin Cook is unable to go, Mattison is more than a competent backup, and the passing game remains dangerous.
It is always interesting to see how teams respond to the different environment overseas, but taking Minnesota to win straight up (-142) is a strong bet.
