NFL Week 1 Vikings vs. Saints Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
Boy, the schedule makers didn’t do bettors a favor by opening the 2010 NFL season up with a great matchup, did they?
In a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship game, the New Orleans Saints will open their season against the Minnesota Vikings tonight at 8:30PM ET at the Superdome. It’ll be a return to the scene of the crime for Brett Favre, who not only threw a crushing interception late in the fourth quarter of that game, but also suffered a bad ankle injury that required him to have surgery on it over the offseason.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Saints a 4.5-point favorite, while the over/under is sitting at 48.5 points. For up-to-the-minute point spreads and totals, check out our NFL Odds Page.
Let’s take a look at some strengths and weaknesses:
Saints’ strength vs. Vikings’ weakness
New Orleans’ strength lies with its offensive balance. Drew Brees and the passing game may get all of the attention, but the running game behind Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush is what keeps opponents on the back of their heels. Minnesota’s secondary is the weak link on a solid defense, one that can get after the quarterback with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards. For the Vikings to be successful tonight, they better hope they get great safety play out of Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson.
Vikings’ strength vs. Saints’ weakness
Minnesota finished the season last year as more of a passing team under Favre, but the strength of this offense still resides in the backfield with Adrian Peterson. And he’s the one they’ll have to rely on if they want to win this game in a hostile environment. New Orleans’ is weak up the middle on defense, namely at the tackle position. So if the Vikes can get AP going early, they can chew up the clock and keep the Saints’ explosive passing game on the sidelines. If not, it’s going to be a long night for Brad Childress’ squad.
The Pick:
The defending Super Bowl champion has won its opening game in each of the past 10 seasons and nothing changes this year. I see the Vikings taking a major step back this season and it starts tonight in New Orleans against a Saints team that is going to enjoy being back home after winning a championship. Without Sidney Rice, the Vikes’ passing game could stall and if the Saints get up early, Childress might panic and ditch the run. I like New Orleans by a touchdown in a game that will be lower scoring than people think.
2010 NFL Week 1 Free Pick: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS –4.5 & UNDER 48.5
451 Minnesota Vikings +4.5 Over 48.5
452 New Orleans Saints -4.5 Under 48.5