The Minnesota Vikings visit the New Orleans Saints on Friday afternoon in a game that can be seen on FOX and NFL Network. Both teams come into this game off losses, as the Vikings were beaten by the Bears, while the Saints were outscored by the Chiefs. The Vikings playoff chances are on life support, as they need to win their final two games; have the Cardinals lose their last two games and the Bears have to lose one of their two remaining games. On the other side, the Saints can clinch the NFC South with a win in one of their remaining two games. Let’s look at the Friday matchup and NFL picks.
Watch this regular season NFL Week 16 matchup on Friday, December 25, at 4:30 p.m. ET from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Catch the game live on FOX and NFL Network and bet on NFL odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
NFL Odds at Bookmaker.eu
Minnesota Vikings +7
New Orleans Saints -7
Total 52
Odds Analysis
The line has been moving toward Minnesota in this game. Why bettors are taking the Vikings is unclear, as Minnesota is just barely alive in terms of making the playoffs, while the Saints can clinch the NFC South with a win. This line was as high as 7.5 and there is a chance the number will go to 6.5, but whenever a game moves off a key number like 7 there is a chance for a middle and oddsmakers don’t like to move off the key number.
Injury Report
At this point of the season every NFL team has a lot of injuries so what we look at are new injuries and ones that could impact this game. The Vikings are listing linebacker Eric Kendricks and tight end Kyle Rudolph as questionable. The Saints are dealing with a lot of injuries at wide receiver, as Michael Thomas is out until the playoffs and the team could be without Tre’quan Smith. The Saints have Drew Brees back from injury but it was obvious last week that he is not fully healthy.
Key Matchup
We know what the game plan of the Saints will be in this game based on what happened to the Vikings last week. Minnesota gave up 146 rushing yards to David Montgomery as they were gashed throughout the game. The Saints are going to feed the ball to Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray on a regular basis in this game. If the Vikings can’t slow down those two players then they have no chance to win this game.
Game Trends
The Vikings are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings at New Orleans. The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in December. The Saints are 9-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite. The Under is 6-2 in the Vikings last 8 road games. The Over is 5-2 in the Saints last 7 home games.
Free ATS Pick
I just can’t see the Vikings bouncing back after last week’s loss to the Bears. Minnesota may technically still be alive to make the playoffs, but the reality is that they are done and the players know it. On the other side, the Saints need to take care of business and clinch the NFC South. The Saints should be able to control this game on the ground and their defense should dominate the Vikings. I will lay the points and take the Saints.
NFL Pick: Saints 27, Vikings 13
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