Vikings Versus Saints Preview

The NFL kicks off the 2010-2011 season with a must see NFC Championship rematch between defending Super Bowl Champions, the New Orleans Saints, and the Minnesota Vikings. Post season matches often have a way of sparking new rivalries. Last January's New Orleans over -time victory left the Vikings with a bitter taste for revenge which has been spewing for several months.

Vikings coach, Brad Childress, has been complaining that the Saints were intentionally taking cheap shots at now 40 year old quarterback, Brett Favre. Vikings players have accused Darren Sharper of dirty play.Favre eventually had to have ankle surgery from injuries sustained during the championship game. Although Sharper has made some suggestions that New Orleans will come after Favre again, Sharper will not be a threat He has been placed on the PUP list and will not be available for action until week seven.

With Sharper out, Favre may be tempted to test the Saints secondary with longer passes than the average short pass he was predominately throwing last season. Favre, always an unpredictable threat, will definitely have his ankle's mobility tested in game one. Look for the Vikings to use their phenomenal running back, Adrian Peterson, to ease some of the pressure off Favre.

Drew Breese will lead the Saints offense with an explosive passing attack. Look for the Saints to concentrate on their air assault with a limited running game. New Orleans has not been successful defeating the Vikings in the regular season and with key players injured on defense, the Vikings may have an edge. The Saints must stop Peterson and force Favre to throw into coverage to win this one.

Expect this game to be another high scoring offensive battle. The winner may be determined by the defense that is able to produce a key interception or fumble.