The Minnesota Vikings are taking on the New Orleans Saints for the third time in the last four seasons on Sunday afternoon.
Last season’s game was a fun one, as the Vikings pulled out a thrilling victory by a score of 28-25 with multiple field goal attempts over 50 yards highlighting a fun back-and-forth contest.
Going into this season’s matchup, both the Vikings and Saints sit at 5-4 with the latter being the leader in the NFC South. The Vikings are also sitting in playoff position, but are currently 1.5 games behind the Detroit Lions for the division lead.
Heading into Sunday, our staff highlighted four storylines to watch.
Managing editor Tyler Forness: Can Jordan Addison handle Marshon Lattimore
Without Justin Jefferson on the other side, Addison has thrived against some impressive cornerbacks, including torching Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander on multiple occasions. He will face his biggest test in Lattimore on Sunday. A physical ball hawk, Lattimore has given multiple receivers fits in the NFL. With Addison struggling against physicality, this could prove to be difficult. His development would take a big step forward with a big-time performance.
Columnist Judd Zulgad: Vikings run game vs. Saints run defense
The Vikings’ struggling ground game got a boost from Dobbs’ ability to run (66 yards, seven carries and a touchdown), but primary running back Alexander Mattison (44 yards on 16 carries) remained a non-factor when handed the ball. Cam Akers has been lost for the season because of an Achilles’ injury, creating an opportunity for Ty Chandler to get some work. No matter who is handed the ball the Vikings have to get the 29th-ranked rushing attack in the NFL (81.3 yards per game) going. The Saints’ defense is ranked 17th against the run.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: Playoff push
Last weekend was a wild ride, but it’s time to focus on the task at hand. Minnesota is currently in the drivers seat when it comes to their destiny. In a season that seemed all but lost after dropping four of the first five games, the Vikings have roared back with four straight victories.
Now, every game matters. Both the Saints and Vikings are in division races that could find them dueling it out with all the other NFC hopefuls for a wild-card spot. Every head-to-head game against NFC opponents is pivotal to the tie-breaker at the end of the season. If Minnesota is serious about pushing for the playoffs, even without Cousins, they have to win games like this.
Columnist Chris Spooner: Can Josh Dobbs do it again?
It’s nothing short of amazing what Dobbs was able to do coming off the bench last week in Atlanta. He didn’t know the playbook. He didn’t know people’s responsibilities. Heck, he didn’t even know everyone’s name. And yet he was able to come in, drive the Vikings downfield when they needed it most, and come through with a clutch performance in the fourth to secure the win.
It’s an unfortunate circumstance for the guy who was presumed to be the starter in the wake of Kirk Cousins’ injury, Jaren Hall, but that’s the way the NFL goes sometimes. You hate to see it for Hall, but if Dobbs can come in and improve upon his performance last week and lead the Vikings to another win, it may be safe to assume that Hall has been Wally Pipp’d.
