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Vikings vs. Saints
2010 NFL Kick Off
9/9/10
The wait is over. It is once again upon us. The almighty NFL football season begins for real Thursday night when the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints host Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings in a rematch of last years NFC Championship game. The Saints are a -4.5 favorite at Sportsbook.com with an over/under total of 48. You can get a 50% sign up bonus at sportsbook.com and can deposit as easy as 1-2-3 using your credit card!
The Vikings will be out for revenge after losing in overtime in the Title game. It was a game that saw the Saints capitalize on a key Saints turnover and long kick return in the 2nd half, otherwise, the Vikings defense gave up just 257 total yards in the game. Plus who could forget Brett Favres interception with 12 seconds left which cost the Vikings a chance to win it with a field goal? Think Favre wants another crack?
It was mistakes that cost the Vikings in last years game. The Vikings were
able to move the ball. The controlled the clock and piled up close to 500 yards
of offense. But turnovers and special teams cost
them dearly resulting in the
Saints going on to, and winning the Super Bowl. This time around, not much has
changed. There's no reason not to expect a close game. A mistake free game by
the Vikings is what we're looking for.
The Vikings aren't without some concern though. Specifically, going up against Drew Brees and company with a secondary at less than full strength. Cedric Griffin returned to practice this week after missing all of training camp while recovering from ACL surgery, an injury that occurred in the Championship game. It's doubtful he'd play, and if he did, would likely not be a factor. Do the math. 4 Saints receivers, 3 defensive backs to cover them. The Vikings are scrambling to fill the hole, but whoever plays won't have the experience at corner to match up against Brees and his weapons.
If you're looking for an equalizer, look at the Saints linebackers. Another argument against pre season NFL games. They lost starter Jonathan Casillas to a Lisfranc fracture in the preseason finale. Let's also not forget about the Favre factor. A distraction? Not a distraction? How's his injured leg? Is he 100% Is he ready? Is this the year he finally looks old? All questions that will be answered Thursday Night before a National TV audience. So this game is not without the usual NFL drama on both sides.
What will happen? We think Favre will be fine. He might be the most driven player on the field. It can be a wise move to bet against the Super Bowl Champs the following year. It's not easy to play with a target on your back, particularly when you open up against such a tough opponent. This game will be decided the way 95% of all NFL games are decided. Mistakes. In this spot, it's the Vikings, on the road, more likely to make those mistakes. Look for Brees to take advantage of the shorthanded secondary with the Saints coming out on top. It will likely be another close one.
No strong play here. In fact, we'd favor the Saints all the way up to -5.5. If the line were to reach +6, we'd have to strongly consider the Vikings. Enjoy the first NFL game of the year. Remember, it's a long season. You want to be standing at the end. There will be plenty of good spots to step in and profit. We don't feel this is one of them!
If you would like to know who all the top sports handicapping services are picking in this one, check out our consensus report. All the plays for all the top handicappers, just $139 per month!