Our staff picks are in for Week 10’s New Orleans Saints game, but the choice was hardly unanimous. Final score predictions for this matchup with the Minnesota Vikings are all over the place, and rightfully so: both teams are in the NFC playoff picture at 5-4, and there’s an element of unpredictability in Minnesota given all their recent changes (like trading for a new starting quarterback in Johsua Dobbs) and volatile trends (being the league’s blitz-heaviest defense).
Here’s how our staff writers see this one playing out:
Saints 24, Vikings 14
I like the Saints’ chances against the Joshua Dobbs-led offense without Justin Jefferson. Chris Olave is on the right track to being back to form and hopefully the offense and continue to make some progress after some mishaps last week that almost let Chicago back into the game. — Dylan Sanders
Vikings 31, Saints 21
This score prediction is heavily reliant upon how the injury reports shape out for both teams. As of now, it seems T.J. Hockenson will play, and Justin Jefferson is somewhere on track to possibly playing. If both are in, odds are that’s a lot for the Saints to handle. On top of that, the Vikings have a quarterback who’s immensely hard to game plan for considering he was just brought to the team. The Saints offense struggled against the Bears, which is pretty indicative of how this could go. The Vikings defensive unit is also not as bad as advertised, ranking top 10 in yards per carry allowed (3.7), top 15 in yards per passing attempt allowed (6.5), and top 15 in interceptions (7). — Jeremy Trottier
Saints 27, Vikings 24
The Saints make it three games in a row. The defensive struggles in the first half will continue. The Saints have to prove they can Joshua Dobbs’ legs, as that’s been a problem for the past few weeks. Offensively, the Saints will put together another efficient red zone performance. That has been the key to improved scoring. The Vikings’ tendency to blitz should make the Saints lean on Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and the quick passing game. — Darrion Gray
Saints 20, Vikings 17
I’m not going to overlook this opponent — but this is a game the Saints should win. Minnesota isn’t a great matchup for them between Dobbs’ willingness to make plays with his legs and the Vikings’ blitz-heavy defense, which could rattle Derek Carr if the Saints can’t hold up in pass protection. I think it’ll be another close win for New Orleans, but a win is a win, and they should go into the bye week on a three-game winning streak. Dennis Allen’s secondary will make a difference. — John Sigler
