This should be a interesting game of contrasting styles especially on offense.  The Saints will try to throw the ball to get the lead and then grind it out on the ground.  The Vikings allow 207.5 yards passing per game so Drew Brees should have a decent game.  Brees will throw the short stuff to WR Lance Moore, TE Billy Miller and Reggie Bush out of the backfield.  But, he will take some shots deep to Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem who are both averaging over 35.5 yards per reception.  The Saints will still run the football some to keep the Vikings’ D honest with Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas.  The Vikings only allow 71.8 yards rushing per game and 2.9 ypc.

The Saints have a very soft defense and the Vikings will be attacking it with the running game.  Look for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to get a lot of work agains a Saints’ D that is allowing 122.8 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards per carry.  After the run game is established look for Gus Frerotte to take some shots down the field to Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade against a Saints’ D that is allowing 249.3 yards passing per game.

PREDICTION:  MINNESOTA VIKINGS 31,  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 27