New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings Matchup Preview (12/25/20): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

After eating cookies, enjoying the fireplace, and spending time with family, turn on your TV for the biggest present of them all: Christmas football. In an odd schedule move by the NFL, the game will be played on a Friday – far rarer than even a Christmas game. In fact, there have been just 10 Friday football games since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger, most recently in 2009 (also on Christmas).

The game we’re treated to? The Saints (10-4) host the Vikings (6-8) for a hotly contested rematch of last year’s NFC wild card. The Vikings won in overtime with a controversial no-call on offensive pass interference. But the bitterness of this matchup is even more deep-rooted than that. Just three seasons ago, the Vikings had one of the most improbable wins in NFL history, the so-called “Minneapolis Miracle”. That also happened to be against the Saints in the playoffs.

This game will be nothing more than a revenge match. The Saints have already clinched a postseason spot, and the Vikings are realistically eliminated. But it will be a hard-fought, competitive, and passionate game of football for all the players involved.

For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints Matchup Page.

TV Schedule

Date: December 25th, 2020
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana
TV Coverage: FOX

New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings Live Stream

Where can you watch New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings Free Online Now.

Injuries

New Orleans Saints:
IR list: Johnson Bademosi (undisclosed), Jalen Dalton (triceps), Marquez Callaway (knee), Patrick Robinson (hamstring), Deonte Harris (neck), Bennie Fowler (shoulder), Jameis Winston (covid), Blake Gillikin (back), Michael Thomas (ankle). Questionable: Anthony Lanier (undisclosed), Tre’Quan Smith (ankle), Nick Easton (concussion), Trey Hendrickson (neck), Andrus Peat (ankle), Carl Granderson (neck), Malcolm Brown (calf), Marcus Williams (undisclosed).

Minnesota Vikings:
IR list: Kenny Willekes (leg), Anthony Barr (pectoral), Danielle Hunter (neck), George Illoka (knee), Kris Boyd (shoulder), Mike Hughes (neck), Myles Dorn (undisclosed). Questionable: Quentin Poling (undisclosed), Ifeadi Odenigbo (ankle), Troy Due (concussion).

New Orleans Saints Analysis

The Saints got their veteran quarterback back last week in what was a somewhat anticlimactic return. Drew Brees completed just 15 of 34 passes for 234 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception. His quarterback rating of 84.7 was the lowest mark of the season. The 41-year-old veteran had previously been sidelined for 4 weeks because of a ribs injury. He is looking forward to having a better game this weekend against a Vikings defense that allows 252.4 passing yards per game (24th).

Speaking of injuries, the receiving core of the Saints has now grown thin. Michael Thomas was officially placed on the IR on Tuesday, making his return to regular-season action by-rule impossible. The star receiver has been dealing with an ankle injury that has sidelined him for most of the season. Brees will need to rely on Tre’Quan Smith and Emmanuel Sanders as his lead receivers. The pair have very similar stats, both around 36 receptions, 440 yards, and 4 touchdowns each. They have not been outstanding, but will likely be enough against this poor Vikings defense.

But the Saints still have a elite talent in the backfield. Alvin Kamara is an elite talent who can punish opponents on the ground or in the passing game. Kamara impressively has rushed for 777 yards (17th) this season but has also tallied 80 receptions – more than any other running back in the league. To make things scarier for opponents, the Saints also have running back Latavius Murray. The 30-year-old veteran has rushed 584 yards (28th) and 4 touchdowns (4th). He is certainly a threat to opponents even from his backup position. Because of these two talented running backs, New Orleans ranks 7th in rushing with 131.8 yards per game. They are likely to cause problems against a Minnesota defense that allows 125.6 rushing yards per game, 23rd in the league.

Between a strong passing and rushing game, the Saints own one of the better offenses in the league. They travel 363.8 yards (16th) and score 28.4 points (9th) per game. It’s worth noting they have one of the best Red Zone offenses in the league, scoring on 69.64% of visits (7th). They also convert on 44.32% of third downs, 9th best league. Whichever way you look at it, the Saints’ offense will be tough to handle for the Vikings.

Despite their strength on offense, it is really this Saints’ defense that carries this team. They hold opponents to just 306.4 yards (3rd) and 21.2 points (6th) per game. They rank top 5 against the run and pass, too, so finding weak points against this team is difficult. They have only let 2 teams reach 30+ points, and it came against the two of the top three scoring teams (Green Bay and Kansas City). Minnesota ranks 14th in points per game, so this elite Saints defense should not have a problem holding them.

The last several years are defined by frustration for the Saints. A series of early and unfortunate playoff exits have fueled a need for revenge among fans, coaches, and certainty the players. The two of their last three exits have come against the Vikings, both times in incredible fashions. On Christmas this Friday afternoon, the Saints do not have a better opportunity to take that revenge and destroy playoff hopes for Minnesota.

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart

QB: Drew Brees
RB1: Alvin Kamara
RB2: Latavius Murray
WR1: Michael Thomas
WR2: Emmanuel Sanders
WR3: Tre’Quan Smith
TE: Jared Cook

Minnesota Vikings Analysis

The Vikings lost last week to cut their slim chances of a playoff run. Their only shot is to win out and have several other teams lose to earn a wildcard ticket. But an upset against the Saints will ruin a revenge win for them on Christmas primetime television.

Despite the team’s 6-8 record, quarterback Kirk Cousins is surprisingly having an okay season. The Michigan State alum has thrown for 3569 yards (13th), 29 touchdowns (8th) with a completion percentage of 67.6 (13th). All these stats rank above average in the league. His biggest problem is turnovers. His 18 turnovers (13 interceptions, 5 fumbles) are 2nd in the league, only behind Carson Wentz. He will need to clean that up against a Saints team that will punish him for mistakes.

A large reason for Cousins’ fairly strong yardage and touchdown numbers are because of his elite receiving core. Justin Jefferson has become an offensive rookie of the year candidate with his outstanding season as the lead wide receiver. The LSU alum has 73 receptions (22nd) for 1182 yards (8th) and 7 touchdowns (15th). Last week was his 6th 100 yard receiving game of the season. His teammate, Adam Theilen, has similarly been impressive. The 30-year-old veteran notably has 13 receiving touchdowns this year, 3rd in the league. Cousins will have no problem finding his elite pair of receivers open downfield.

Superstar Dalvin Cook is the hallmark of this Vikings offense. The pro bowler has rushed for 1484 yards (2nd) and a league-leading 15 touchdowns. He has rushed for at least 95 yards or at least one touchdown in 12 of his 13 games. He is currently on a 3 game streak of at least 100 rushing yards. The Saints rushing defense is strong (4th in the league), but even they find it difficult to contain Cook.

The combination of a good passing offense and elite rushing attack has given Minnesota an above-average offense. They travel 387.1 yards (5th) and score 25.7 points (14th) per game. They earn plenty of yardage but have trouble putting up points. This discrepancy can be partially attributed to their lack of opportunities in the Red Zone. Minnesota averages 3.4 Red Zone scoring attempts per game, 17th in the league. Another reason why Minnesota has trouble scoring is their third-down efficiency. They convert on just 42.14 percent of third downs, 15th in the league.

Minnesota’s defense has been lackluster this year. They allow opponents to travel 378 yards (23rd) and score 27.7 points (25th) per game. It is worth noting; however, they are one of the best Red Zone defenses in the league. They allow a touchdown on just 53.06 percent of visits, 5th fewest in the league. Look for linebackers Eric Kendricks and Eric Wilson to shut the door on the Saints when nearing the end zone.

The Vikings season is defined by mediocrity. Despite a historic season by running back Dalvin Cook, the team sits in third place of the NFC North with a poor 6-8 record. They have reached the playoffs 4 times in the last year but have not strung together consecutive postseasons since 2008 to 09. In all likelihood, that doesn’t change this season.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
WR1: Adam Thielen
WR2: Justin Jefferson
WR3: Bisi Johnson
TE: Kyle Rudolph

Betting Corner: New Orleans Saints -6.5

Spread: -6.5 Saints
Moneyline: -340 Saints, +280 Vikings
Over/Under: 51

Prediction

Spread: -6.5 Saints
Moneyline: -340 Saints
Over/Under: Over

The Vikings are a measly 1-5 against teams with a winning record. Betting the moneyline here should be a safe bet. The more coveted bet, the spread, is a little more interesting. The Saints are just 2-5 against the spread as favorites while the Vikings are 1-2 as underdogs. Neither team has historically covered the spread in their given positions. But at -6.5 for the Saints, someone has to. I am taking the Saints to win by 7 or more. The Vikings will struggle to run their offense against such an elite defense. Dalvin Cook will find it difficult to find holes as easily in this matchup. The Saints, meanwhile, have Drew Brees back with a fully healthy Alvin Kamara. New Orleans is simply a dangerous team. Final Score Prediction: 31-23 Saints.

Daily Fantasy Love/Hate

Love: Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara remains one of the best fantasy running backs this season. Averaging 23 points per game, he is currently the RB1 in fantasy. Even at his expensive price in daily leagues, he is worth the add. The Vikings have a poor rushing defense that averages just 125.6 ground yards per game, so look for Kamara to earn yet another strong performance.

Hate: Kirk Cousins

As much as I praised Kirk Cousins in my analysis, interceptions, and fumbles are too costly in fantasy for him to be worth a start. The 32-year-old veteran has a turnover in each of his last 6 games. He’s averaging a somewhat decent score of 20.7 points in that timespan, but he’s also throwing a good amount of touchdowns. New Orleans allows 2.4 offensive touchdowns per game, the 8th fewest in the league. Maybe more notably, they allow an average passer rating of just 86.1 (6th). Look for another quarterback in daily leagues, and certainly in your fantasy playoffs.