New Orleans Saints Wild Card preview and keys to victory against the Minnesota Vikings

The defense

Defensively, for the New Orleans Saints, the main focus will be centered around containing and slowing down Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook who racked up over 1600+ yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns this season. He has been fully cleared to play.

The New Orleans Saints have yet to give up 100 yards to a single rusher, and lately what teams have been doing is using a lot of misdirection and trick plays to generate yards on the ground, a blueprint that teams have followed since Week 9 when the Saints loss a shocker to the Atlanta Falcons.

The New Orleans Saints defensive line will be another key factor in securing a victory Wild Card weekend.

The Saints’ defensive line is ranked (3rd) in quarterback sacks and (5th) in quarterback pressures this season, but like Minnesota Vikings, the Saints secondary has been susceptible to the pass, particularly to the oppositions tight ends and wide receivers.

The New Orleans Saints secondary will have to hold up.

The Minnesota Vikings have their own version of Michael Thomas in wide receiver Steffon Diggs who the New Orleans Saints and Saints fanbase know very well.

Stefon Diggs has caught 63 balls for 1,130 yards and 6 touchdowns this season even after early-season frustrations.

Also, key players on the Vikings offense are wide receiver Adam Thelin and tight end Kyle Rudolph who have combined for 69 catches, 700+ yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Last and most importantly, special teams will pay major dividends in this game and throughout the remainder of the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints kick returner Devonte Harris, kicker Will Lutz, and punter Thomas Morstead will be major keys in scoring and field position in a game this evenly matched.

This game will ultimately come down to a test of wills.

If the destination is Miami, for the New Orleans Saints, then they have to win three the hard way.