Minnesota and New Orleans are not divisional rivals, but the Vikings defeated the Saints twice last year, including miraculous national fashion in that crazy NFC divisional round playoff game.
NFL points spread: The Vikings opened as a 2.5-point favorite; The total was 53 at the beginning of the week, according to a sportsbook run by Woodshark. (Line updates and matchup reports)
NFL Betting by Woodshark Computer: 2.6.6-6.26 Vikings (NFL picks on every game)
Check out the OddShark podcast on iTunes or Spotify or at oddshark.libsin.com for more up-to-date information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week's top sports betting news.
New Orleans is 5-0 and 4-1 straight against its last five outings after beating the Ravens in Baltimore 24-23 last week. The Saints trailed the Ravens 10-7 at half-time and 17-7 through three quarters, then 2-0-0. Spartans used 0-0 to lead it. New Orleans later allowed Baltimore a touchdown with less than a minute to go, but the Ravens' kicker Justin Tucker missed the extra point when the wind blew from the football gods and gave the Saints the victory.
The day New Orleans raced out of Baltimore 1-7777, took a 34-26 advantage during the possession and converted a five-for-five fourth-down effort. The Saints also won straight as a two-point dog on the road.
New Orleans, known for airstrikes and often affectionate defenses, has now rushed for the last four opponents with y৯ yards per game. And the teams that crowd the opponents this season are -2 76- 29 SU and -3- 12 ATS this NFL season.
Minnesota is 3-0 SU and 2-0-1 out of the ATS last three times, beating the Jets in New Jersey, 37-17 last week. The Vikings extended the game's opening possession to a touchdown of 7 yards, going 7-7 in the half, followed by another touchdown and a 1-for-1 interception in the second half. Minnesota has been swept away for the win and covered as a 3.5-point favorite.
In the afternoon, the Vikings outscored New York ৩663-263 out, holding a 32-28 lead during the possession and winning the turnover battle 4-0, making a plus-13 point difference.
Minnesota has now outscored five of its seven opponents this season.
