We don’t always get to watch the NFL on a Friday, and it’s not often we get to watch it on Christmas Day. When the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints suit up on Christmas Day, football fans will get to see both of those happen on the same day! It should be an exciting day for families all over the world.
The Vikings might not have much to play for right now, but the Saints are looking to clinch the NFC South with a victory. It won’t be easy, especially after seeing how the Saints played last week against the Chiefs.
The Saints have Tre’Quan Smith and Nick Easton listed as out, while Trey Hendrickson, Marcus Williams, and Malcolm Brown are all listed as questionable. The Vikings have Erik Kendricks, Troy Dye, and Jalyn Holmes listed as out, Todd Davis listed as doubtful, and C.J. Ham listed as questionable.
Can the Vikings snap their two-game skid?
The Vikings enter Week 16 with a 6-8 record — good enough for third place in the NFC North. Things haven’t gone as planned since trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, and there’s certainly a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team’s future — especially starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has tallied a total of 3,569 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. It’s not that he’s a bad quarterback, but it’s clear the Vikings aren’t going anywhere with him leading the way.
They do, however, have a stud wide receiver in rookie Justin Jefferson, who has 73 catches, 1,182 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Will the Saints clinch the NFC South?
The Saints have been battling it out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers all season long in the NFC South. They enter Week 16 with a 10-4 record, are one game ahead of the Bucs, and can clinch the division with a victory on Friday. It wouldn’t be a bad Christmas present to the city of New Orleans.
Drew Brees is still making his way back from suffering broken ribs earlier in the season. He didn’t perform his best last week in his first game back, but he started to find his groove later in the game.
Look for him to continue his progress and turn out a quality performance against the Vikings.
Vikings vs. Saints Betting Odds & Lines
Will the Saints clinch their division, or will the Vikings rain on their parade Friday? FanDuel Sportsbook has the New Orleans Saints as 6.5-point favorites over the Minnesota Vikings. It also has the over/under listed at 50.5 total points.
Free Betting Pick
There’s a lot to like about what’s in store for today. Not only are there five NBA games on national television, but we have the Saints and Vikings battling it out on FOX and the NFL Network at 4:30 pm ET. If you need a break from the basketball, it’ll definitely be a good game to tune-in to.
I’ve got the Saints winning in spectacular fashion. The Vikings might put up a fight in the first quarter, but I think the Saints figure it out as the game goes on and wins this one by multiple possessions.
Final Score Prediction 31-17, New Orleans Saints.
Free Pick: New Orleans Saints (-6.5)
For more picks, check out our picks page.