Vikings Vs Saints Rematch Gives Vikings Something to Prove

The Vikings vs Saints matchup is quite a familiar one. Months back, the last Vikings vs Saints showdown decided a Super Bowl berth, and tonight's Vikings vs Saints rematch is a consequence of that. Because of New Orleans' almost impossible victory, and subsequent Super Bowl title, they host the year's first game as defending champions. Meanwhile, Minnesota is still living with the disappointment of their near-miss, and trying to get past another difficult summer. However, expectations for the Vikings vs Saints sequel are not favoring Minnesota.

The usual Favre antics overshadowed the summer for Minnesota, but there is still a lot of uncertainty around him. Even now, he's not sure if his ankle can hold up for the whole year, and he is facing the same team that made his ankle sore in the first place.

The Vikings vs Saints grudge match has New Orleans as a solid favorite, although Minnesota would have beaten them last year if not for Favre's last throw. Given Favre's shaky condition, and the momentum the Saints will ride from tonight's opening ceremonies, a Minnesota win would be considered an upset.

Even after the Vikings vs Saints opener, there will still be doubt around Minnesota, depending on Favre's durability. The Packers have snuck up as a popular pick to take the NFC North, while Dallas and New Orleans are the other popular picks to reach the Super Bowl. In spite of Favre having a career best year in statistics last season, few expect 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions from him this year.

But although New Orleans has all the buzz and momentum, the Vikings vs Saints matchup can still go the other way. Other than Favre, Adrian Peterson has a lot to prove after his struggles in January. The rest of the weapons that propelled Minnesota in 2009 are back as well. And since this is the first game as defending champions for New Orleans, they will start feeling the pressure to repeat.

Both teams have had to deal with distractions all year, although the Saints' distractions were obviously more fun than the Vikings' were. But now, in spite of all their success in 2009, the two NFC finalists have to prove themselves all over again. New Orleans now has to prove they are not a one-year wonder, while Minnesota still has a few more steps to climb, and perhaps only one more year with Favre to do it.

If the Vikings vs Saints rematch has Favre and company rising up, despite all the hoopla and bad memories, it will reestablish Minnesota as a team to beat again. They get their second chance tonight at 8:30 pm est on NBC.

Sources

American Chronicle- "One more fling: Vikings have another opportunity to make a Super Bowl run"

Philadelphia Inquirer- "A safe bet: Saints and Vikings will score a lot"