Saints - Vikings Score Predictions | Week 10
The battle of the 5-4 New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings is here and the Saints are looking to tie their longest win streak since the 2020 season with a third consecutive victory. New Orleans is about to head into its bye week and doing so on the right side of the column would have a massive impact on the team’s rhythm moving ahead. However, with Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs coming off of the game of his career, the Vikings are a team that very much believes in itself.
It will be far from a simple competition for the Saints, as the Vikings come in on the heels of a four-game win streak. but with a healthy roster, growing rhythm and mounting unavailability for Minnesota, the match up favors New Orleans. At least in theory. Here is how the Saints News Network team sees this one panning out.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in their 2018 win.
Oct 28, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
John Hendrix
The Saints have not been able to put together a winning streak until the end of last season, and that is where they are at going into Sunday. The team has built up some confidence going into their game against the Vikings, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. A big focus will be on how the defense performs against Dobbs, as the element of a quarterback escaping the pocket early has plagued them this season.
Not only that, but the first half action has seen them get off to slow starts. The best friend for New Orleans will be to get up early and put sevens on the board over threes. I am buying stock in them right now.
Score Prediction: Saints 28, Vikings 21
Bob Rose
The recent improvements from the New Orleans offensive line are going to be greatly tested by edge rushers Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum. Especially Hunter, who leads the NFL in sacks. If the Saints can give Derek Carr some time and establish a semblance of balance, then New Orleans receivers could run wild through the Minnesota secondary. Running back Alvin Kamara could also have a big day against athletically overmatched linebackers Jordan Hicks and Ivan Pace.
The Saints must overcome poor defensive starts and begin playing up to their own skill level. If they can keep Dobbs in the pocket, a big if, then New Orleans should be able to contain the Vikings battered skill position players. This is a huge test for the Saints if they are to show whether they are legitimate postseason contenders.
Score Prediction: Saints 27 Vikings 20
Kyle T. Mosley
Score Prediction: Saints 24, Vikings 20
Ross Jackson
The more I think about this game, the harder it is to pick against the Saints. They are healthy, they are motivated and though there are areas to continue to improve, they are playing their best football of their season right now. With room left to the ceiling, New Orleans has a real opportunity this weekend to prove something on the road against the Vikings.
Fast starts and strong finishes on both sides of the ball will be a necessity. But perhaps the largest and most substantial “must” will be generating a sustainable pass rush that finishes plays at the quarterback. If the Saints can blend all of these elements while maintaining the improvement we have seen over the last couple of weeks, everyone will feel much better and more confident headed into next week’s bye. Not having to face star wide receiver Justin Jefferson certainly helps, too.
But will they put it all together? It is tough to say right “yes” now as consistency has not been the model in the Big Easy as of late. It may be hard to pick against the Saints in this one, but it impossible. This game is their biggest proving ground of the season for me. So, I look forward to seeing it first before believing it.
Score Prediction: Vikings 27 - Saints 23
