Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints: preview, free NFL picks & predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints in the wildcard round of the playoffs in the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 6.05pm Sunday

Best bet

New Orleans -6.5
1pt 5-7 RedZone

Match preview

New Orleans take on Minnesota in the playoffs for the first time since the Minneapolis Miracle, in which the Vikings snatched late victory in the most dramatic circumstances. But the Saints can exact their revenge at the Superdome.

The hosts scored the second-most points in the regular season and their talent on offence has been there for all to see, particularly in their last four games in which they scored at total of 160 points.

Quarterback Drew Brees had a near-perfect game in their 34-7 victory over Indianapolis, in which he completed 29 of his 30 pass attempts and threw four touchdowns, and had the fifth-most touchdown passes in the league despite missing five games through injury.

Running back Alvin Kamara has also hit form at the right time, finding the end zone twice in New Orleans’ last two games.

Minnesota’s impact on offence has been much more sporadic and getting just 179 total yards in their 23-10 defeat to Green Bay two weeks ago will concern coach Mike Zimmer.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins has come under much scrutiny for his inconsistency this season, and running back Dalvin Cook could struggle to get going on his return from injury against a team with the fourth-ranked rushing defence.

Expect the Saints to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Minnesota +7
Vegas points line 49.5

Injury report

Minnesota
Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo and cornerback Mackensie Alexander are both rated questionable.

New Orleans
Cornerback Eli Apple has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Key stat

Minnesota lost four of their eight road games this season.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport