The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was back in 2009 for the NFC Championship. This was deemed the Super Bowl that year with the suspense and the back and forth scoring from both teams. The Saints had a controversial season due to the Bounty Gate investigations, and were actually rewarding players for injuring opponents. Brett Favre was quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, and Drew Brees for the Saints. The game ended with the Saints victorious, then they went on to sneak an onside kick by Peyton Manning and the Colts to open up the third quarter to win Super Bowl XLIV. This year the Minnesota Vikings have already went into New Orleans and beat the Saints 29-19. The Saints since the first game of the season have tightened up, and and won 11 straight at one point in their season. However, I went back and looked at their schedule the teams they beat during that time were the Dolphins, Bears, Lions, Buccs, Packers, Redskins, Bills, and Panthers twice. Granted they did beat the Panthers in Carolina last weekend, but they must match up well against Carolina, and have just a touch more fire power at offense to outscore the Panthers. Its clear they had Carolina's number all year. The Saints struggled this year againts good teams losing to the Vikings, Rams, and Patriots. They split with the Falcons, and the Bucc's beat them the last game of the season, but I doubt they showed up for that game preparing for the playoffs. The Vikings are going to coming off of two weeks of rest. I believe the Vikings were able to rest the last game of the season as well. So well rested and confident with home field advantage and a really stingy defense will hold off the Saints in Minnesota. The Minnesota line is healthy and strong, and with Case Keenum behind center and the numerous weapons of the Minnesota defense its going to be a long day for the New Orleans Saints. Case Keenum really hasn't received the kudos he deserves just yet, and I think that many don't know about his NCAA career. But Mr. Keenum holds records. See below...
CTRL+F Case Keenum HERE - http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2017/FBS.pdf
Attached are the first game of the season, and the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Enjoy and #skol!
