New Orleans Saints Week 10 Preview: Vikings

New Orleans is in sole possession of first place in the NFC South after taking down the Chicago Bears in week nine. The Saints have won two straight games and are looking to win their third in a row when they travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings in week 10. The road trip up to Minnesota will be the last test before the Saints head to their bye week in Week 11 before getting back into action.

The Saints have a great opportunity on Sunday to continue their momentum before the back half of their schedule begins on Week 12 against the Falcons. Minnesota and New Orleans faced off last year in London, where the Vikings edged out the Saints, 28-25. In a matchup of two 5-4 teams, this will be an important game for both teams in the chase to make it to the playoffs in the NFC.

Saints Looking to Continue Their Momentum

New Orleans Saints QB Taysom Hill (7) – Stephen Lew/USA Today Sports

It wasn’t a pretty performance against the Bears in week 10, but a win is a win in the NFL. The Saints were able to hang out to a 24-17 against a Bears team that just picked up a Thursday night win against the Panthers. Like the weeks before, New Orleans’ defense got off to a slow start as Chicago was able to strike first as quarterback Tyson Bagent found tight end Cole Kmet for the score.

Bagent and Kmet would hook up later in the game to give the Bears a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. It was a game where the Saints defense forced five turnovers and they had their chances to put this game away. Cornerback Paulson Adebo had a breakout performance against the Bears’ offense as he finished the contest with five total tackles and two interceptions. The Bears scored 14 points in the first half, but the Saints defense was able to limit Chicago to a minimum in the second half.

On the other side of the ball, the Saints offense had their moments during the game. Taysom Hill continues to play a vital role in this Saints offense as he was the leading rusher for New Orleans. Hill had 11 carries for 52 yards against a Bears rush defense that has been consistent this year. Quarterback Derek Carr also had an impact on the game as he had two passing touchdowns.

Wide receiver Chris Olave was able to get back on track by catching a touchdown and tight end Juwan Johnson was able to find the end zone. Chicago’s offense outgained New Orleans, but the Saints were able to hold on by a thread as they won their second straight game in a row.

With the win, the Saints now control the top of an NFC South division that is looking like one of the weaker divisions in the league. Nonetheless, New Orleans will have a chance to continue their momentum heading into the bye week if they can come away with a win against a Vikings team that has won four in a row after falling to Kansas City in week five of the season.

Know Your Foe: Vikings

Minnesota Vikings QB Josh Dobbs (15) – Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are in cruise control after winning their fourth in a row on the year after dropping that game to the Chiefs in week five. The main story line for this team heading into last weekend’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, was how will they be able to replace quarterback Kirk Cousins after he was sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury. Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall got the start for Minnesota and he be knocked out of the game against Atlanta due to an injury.

Minnesota had no other choice but to go with Josh Dobbs to try to pull a win against the NFC South foe. Dobbs was traded just a week ago to the Vikings after the news from Cousins. The former Tennessee product spent the first half of the season as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. Dobbs was able to lead the Vikings both through the air and on the ground as Minnesota came away with a 31-28 win on the road.

The Vikings currently sit at 5-4 overall on the season, like the Saints, and are second in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions. Minnesota’s offense has been dealing with several injuries as of late as running back Cam Akers was sidelined with an Achilles injury and wide receiver Justin Jefferson has missed out on the last few games due to an injury.

With the injury to Akers, the Vikings will give Alexander Mattison a majority of the carries and rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has stepped up in the absence of Jefferson. Tight end T.J. Hockenson has also played a key role in this offense with the injuries piling up.

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings are currently ranked 12th overall in the NFL in total defense. They are allowing just over 100 yards on the ground and they will be a stiff challenge for running back Alvin Kamara and company. The Saints pass protection will be tested this week as Danielle Hunter is having a monster season for the Vikings defense. Minnesota’s defense has allowed just 17 points per game during their four-game winning streak.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints 24, Minnesota Vikings 21