NFL ATS Picks - New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings Game Preview

The New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings both fancy themselves playoff contenders in 2017, and have similar talent levels, albeit at different positions. They will face off in an interesting Week 1 matchup which could give some clarity about which one is more ready for primetime.

The Vikings have a stout defense and are playing at home, which will make them the favorites in this contest. However, the Saints have a huge advantage at quarterback with Drew Brees under center, as he can make even the fiercest defenses look soft.

These teams are a little tough to figure out, but once four quarters are done on Sunday one of them will be happy with their start and the other will be licking their wounds.

This matchup in Week 1 of the regular season will take place on Monday, September 11, 2017, at 7:10 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu

New Orleans Saints +3
Minnesota Vikings -3
Over/Under 48

Odds Analysis

It’s clear what side the betting public believes in, with more than 77 percent of the action jumping on the Saints. The scoring total is about average. The Saints’ offense is great, but so is the Vikings’ defense. New Orleans’ defense is poor, but so is Minnesota’s offense. The “under” is getting 54 percent of the action, but it’s hard to forecast how this one will wind up.

The Saints are listed at +145 on the moneyline, and that’s enticing. About 80 percent of the money is on New Orleans to pull the upset and pay off nicely. Minnesota is -165 on the moneyline as the favorite.

Injury Report

Terron Armstead - The Saints’ offensive tackle had offseason surgery on his labrum and is expected to miss this game. First-round pick Ryan Ramczyk will fill in for now, and the Vikings could look to attack him. Ramczyk has talent but is inexperienced, and Minnesota has a fierce pass rush. If New Orleans can’t protect Brees in this one, it will be sunk.

Tramaine Brock - The Vikings recently added the nickel cornerback and he adds more depth to an already-talented unit. Brock is dealing with a groin injury currently and is questionable for this contest. Minnesota can use as many talented cover men as possible against Brees.

Matchup to Watch

Vikings offense vs. Saints’ defense -- While most of the established stars will be on the field when the Saints’ offense is, the more telling matchup comes when Minnesota has the ball. The Vikings hope a full offseason in the system will help Sam Bradford become a better quarterback.

The Minnesota offensive line was also hit hard by injuries last year and is now healthier. Dalvin Cook was added to the backfield, so the Vikings do have the capacity to be better, but it’s doubtful they will be great.

On the flip-side, the Saints have been one of the worst defenses in the NFL the past few seasons. They have Cameron Jordan as a nice edge-rushing presence, but he needs help up front and the team must lock down in the secondary.

New Orleans has made a concerted effort to improve its defense of late but it hasn’t yet shown it on the field.

Free ATS Pick

The Vikings are the more balanced team and are playing at home, so they should win. The only way New Orleans pulls off the upset is if Brees goes bonkers and throws his way to the win. Minnesota should be a little better offensively and have enough talent to keep Brees relatively in check.

Take the Vikings to win a close one and also cover this spread. The “over” is the better choice as Brees will be able to put up some points late while Minnesota is facing such a poor defense that it will find the end zone a few times as well.

NFL Odds: Vikings 27, Saints 23

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