Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints Point Spread Picks

Minnesota was fortunate to get by Detroit last week as the Lions do what they do best and that is blow games in the final minutes. Dan Campbell elected to attempt a 54-yard field goal instead of going for it on fourth down and the Vikings came out on top 28-24 in a game they had no business winning. Kirk Cousins was mediocre until the final drive and finished 24 of 41 for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook ran for 96 yards on 5.6 yards per carry before being injured, but he returned to full practice this week. New Orleans look to bounce back from a 22-14 loss to Carolina and the Saints are 13-3 ATS in Week Four and they have covered 37 of their past 52 October games. Jameis Winston shook off an injured back to throw for 353 yards and a TD, but with two interceptions. If he can't go on Sunday Andy Dalton would replace him and he has already played in two London games in his career with the Bengals. Minnesota is 3-8 ATS its past 11 games following a win and 2-8 ATS overall after yielding at least 350 total yards its previous game and the Vikings were outgained by Detroit 416-373. Take the Saints ATS as a Max Play.

New Orleans is as determined as ever to erase another heartbreak season that ended with one of the worst non-calls of all time. The Saints still have the NFL's all-time leading passer in Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara will start at running back after finishing with 883 yards rushing on 4.6 yards per carry and also 709 receiving yards. The Saints have one of the best at defensive end in Cameron Jordan, a strong core at the linebacker position and they should have an improving secondary. Teddy Bridgewater is a capable backup to Brees and the former Vikings QB has started 29 games in his career. Taysom Hill is a do-it-all weapon, who can play quarterback, tight end and on special teams. Minnesota is hoping Kirk Cousins can rebound from a disappointing debut with the Vikings in 2018, but it won't happen without a much-improved offensive line. Also, the running game is unsettled as Dalvin Cook continues to be injury-prone.  If Cousins can't live up to his $84 million deal, there is no relief in the backup role as Sean Mannion, Kyle Sloter and Jake Browning have one start among them in regular season action. Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer is 12-8-1 UNDER in preseason and Sean Payton is 23-19-4 UNDER overall and 6-2 UNDER the last two preseasons. New Orleans is 5-3 ATS the last two preseasons, including 3-1 ATS last year. Take the Saints and the UNDER.