Written by 
New Orleans Saints - 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis
The Saints Go Marching to Minnesota
Get strapped in for a doozy Monday night as the New Orleans Saints head to the Twin Cities to face the Minnesota Vikings. This game carries plenty of story-lines including Adrian Peterson’s match-up against his former team and the wide receiving core without Brandin Cooks.
Player to Watch: Michael Thomas, WR
It is conceivable that Michael Thomas will be the go-to receiver, especially for the first 4 weeks as Willie Snead serves a suspension. Thomas has great chemistry with Drew Brees, backed by 92 catches, 1,137 yards, 9 TDs. Only Ted Ginn Jr stands in the way of targets for Thomas.
Player to Watch - Adrian Peterson, RB
Adrian Peterson is undoubtedly past his prime, however, he arrives in NOLA where there is a stable of running backs to split carries. Peterson’s crutch, so-to-speak, has been his health. In Minnesota, he missed substantial time due in part to the pressure of being the only legitimate running back for Minnesota. As a Saint, Peterson will have the luxury of splitting carries with Mark Ingram which should take the pressure off of the 11th-year running back. The team has been playing it safe thus far, limiting Peterson to six rushes for the entire preseason. Look for the future Hall of Famer to get a few extra carries to stick it to his former team.
The Saints offense will have a tough test against a Vikings defense that finish third in total yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. With quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, offense is rarely an issue for the Saints, except when it comes to opposing offenses. However, the Saints defense finished 3rd in the NFL through the preseason. Look for the addition of middle linebacker Manti Te’o to help bolster this defense.
Player Additions
RB Adrian Peterson
WR Ted Ginn Jr.
LB Manti Te'o
OT Khalif Barnes,
RB Trey Edmunds,
TE Clay Harbor
G Drew Iddings
G Josh LeRibeus.
OT Ryan Ramczyk
Player Departures
WR Brandin Cooks
DT Nick Fairley on IR.
New Orleans Saints Website: http://www.neworleanssaints.com/