Minnesota Vikings Vs New Orleans Saints NFL Opening Night: Las Vegas Line & Pick

The Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre travel back to the scene of their lost season of 2009 to take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints Thursday September 9th. The New Orleans Saints defense set out to hurt and rattle Favre last season and a refreshed Minnesota Vikings defense will be looking to do some damage to Drew Brees in this first game of the 2010 NFL season.

Defenses Will Dictate the Winner of New Orleans-Minnesota Game Not the High Powered Offenses

The Minnesota Vikings defense was tired and worn down for the NFL Conference Championship last season and now a well rested Minnesota defensive line will have their sights set on Drew Brees from the outset of this game.

Look for plenty of blitz situations from both defenses and the the team that is most effective getting to the quarterback will prevail. The New Orleans Saints played over their head on defense last season and the Minnesota Vikings will be primed and ready, The defensive edge goes to the Minnesota Vikings.

Running Backs and Time of Possession Will be Huge in This New Orleans-Minnesota Tilt

The Minnesota Vikings have arguably the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. If Peterson can hold onto the ball in critical situations this season, Minnesota could be deadly on the around the ground. An important addition to the Minnesota back field is Toby Gerhart. The Heisman Trophy runner up is a perfect compliment to Peterson. Gerhart will be used to close out games and open holes for Peterson this season.

The New Orleans Saints also have a dynamic tandem in their back field. Pierre Thomas is a straight ahead back with the ability to pound the ball in ball control situations. His polar opposite is Reggie Bush, who is just as likely to line up in the slot position as a receiver. The two give quarterback Drew Brees plenty of options. The edge still goes to the Minnesota Vikings on the ground.

Special Teams is Another Area that May Decide Winner of New Orleans-Minnesota Game

Both teams have potent special teams threats and solid blocking on punt returns and kick offs. The New Orleans Saints feature Reggie Bush as a dynamic game breaker with a reputation for finding the gap and accelerating at a break neck pace.

The Minnesota Vikings best returner is Percy Harvin. The Vikings explosive wide receiver is the essence of pure speed and no one in the NFL can get around the edge of the sideline faster than Harvin. If Harvin does struggle with migraines this season, look for Toby Gerhart to pick up the slack. Gerhart is not as fast as Harvin but he does have deceptive acceleration at the point of attack. The New Orleans Saints have the slight edge on special teams.

Final Analysis and Pick Against the Spread for New Orleans Saints Vs Minnesota Vikings

The Las Vegas Hilton and Superbook has placed the line on the Minnesota Vikings versus the New Orleans Saints at -4 points in favor of the Super Bowl Champion Saints. The Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints are both 9-1 favorites to win the Super Bowl and the four points is representative of the Saints home field advantage.

The Super Bowl Champs are tough to bet against but this game should be close. The Minnesota Vikings may not be able to win this game straight up but they can cover this four point spread. Take the Minnesota Vikings +4 points against the spread to cover the game against the New Orleans Saints.

sources:

Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Week One NFL Points Spreads
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.nfl.com