NFL Christmas Day: Vikings at Saints predictions, betting preview and free tips

Free NFL picks, best bets and analysis for Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints in Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season on Christmas Day.

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 9.30pm Friday (Christmas Day)

Best bet

Minnesota Vikings +7.5
1pt 20-23 Paddy Power

Match preview

Christmas night brings an extra gift for NFL fans this year with what should be a lively encounter between Minnesota and New Orleans.

The Saints had appeared to be cruising towards the top seeding for the NFC playoffs as a run of nine straight wins left them looking good to secure a bye week in the NFC playoffs at 10-2.

That run included three wins with Taysom Hill filling in for the injured Drew Brees at quarterback, whose serious chest injury could potentially have ruined their season.

But they have since suffered back-to-back defeats, to Philadelphia under Hill and to Super Bowl champions Kansas City when Brees returned last week.

The veteran quarterback is clearly still not fighting fit and the Saints could have a battle on their hands against the lively Vikings offence powered by running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after losses to Tampa Bay and Chicago in the last two weeks dropped them to a 6-8 record and they would be fully extinguished by a defeat in this game.

But Minnesota were good enough to beat the Saints' chief rivals for the top seed, Green Bay, on the road in Week Eight and they are unlikely to roll over with their season on the line.

Key stats

• Minnesota have covered the handicap in eight of their last 12 games against New Orleans.
• New Orleans had won nine games in a row before losing their last two.
• The Vikings have rewarded their handicap backers in four of their last five road games.

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