Cajun-Sports NFL Executive Report- Monday
NFL: 25-11 (+47.10)
Time / Date: 8:35 EST / Monday October 6 (ESPN)
Game: Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
Line Origin: BetCris @ 4:05 EST October 6
Grade / Prediction: 3* New Orleans Saints -3 (Rated 1-6 Units)
Analysis:
The Big Easy will be the site of tonight’s Monday Night Football Game on ESPN. The 2-2 Saints play host to the 1-3 Minnesota Vikings.
The Saints are coming in off a home win and cover over the San Francisco 49ers while the Vikings are coming in off a road loss at the Tennessee Titans last week.
The New Orleans offense is explosive vertically and hitting for big yardage even without some of its top receivers. Fueled by QB Drew Brees' league-high 1,343 yards through the air, the Saints are leading the NFL in passing yards with 327.2 per game.
The Vikings rank third in the NFL in allowing just 71.8 rushing yards a game and New Orleans ranks near the bottom of the league with an average of 87 yards per game on the ground. The Saints running game may get better now that Deuce McAllister is back in the mix. McAllister gets the tough yards that no on else on the roster can get.
Despite not having tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Marques Colston, New Orleans has been averaging 414 yards per game. That's bad news for a Minnesota pass defense that has been at the bottom of the standings for the past two seasons. The Vikings have failed to record a sack in two of four games and they have just seven this season, tied for 19th in the NFL
After recording just eight passes of 40 yards or more in all of 2007, the Saints already have six pass plays that have gone for 40 yards or more in just four games.
The aerial game for the Vikings hasn't held up its end of the bargain since Childress assumed control. Frerotte is the fifth starting quarterback Childress has used. They will depend on their rushing attack to get the win for them tonight.
Minnesota's Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson is second in the NFL with 420 yards on 83 carries, and the Vikings are sixth in the league averaging 142 yards per game. However, he has carried the ball fewer than 20 times in three of the Vikings' four games.
For the Vikings, the status of three starters is uncertain. Linebacker E.J. Henderson is “doubtful,” while WRs Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice are “questionable. Minnesota has lost both of its road games SU and ATS in 2008. Under Childress, the Vikings are 6-7-2 ATS in 15 games as road underdogs.
Data base research has uncovered several key technical Power Systems that are active for tonight’s contest.
Play ON a non-division home favorite of 3 points or less with a TOTAL of 34-47 points off a SU & ATS win as a home favorite of more than 3 points last week. 17-0 SU and 17-0 ATS since 1990.
Play ON a non-undefeated non-division home favorite of 12 points or less/pick ‘em off a home favorite SU win & ATS win last week and before another home contest in its next game. 11-0 SU and 11-0 ATS since 1990.
Play ON a Monday non-division home team (not a favorite of 14+ points) with a TOTAL of more than 40 points off a SU win in its last game vs. an opponent off a SU loss of 7-31 points in its last game. 21-0 SU and 21-0 ATS since 1983.
Finally our Technical Situational Report has the Saints in a positive situation for tonight’s match up. It tells us to Play ON team with a Pass Offense Rating +1.5 or higher than last season, facing a team with a PWP <=.500. 45-9 ATS since 1994.
GRADED PREDICTION: 3* NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -3
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NFL: 25-11 (+47.10)
Time / Date: 8:35 EST / Monday October 6 (ESPN)
Game: Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
Line Origin: BetCris @ 4:05 EST October 6
Grade / Prediction: 3* New Orleans Saints -3 (Rated 1-6 Units)
Analysis:
The Big Easy will be the site of tonight’s Monday Night Football Game on ESPN. The 2-2 Saints play host to the 1-3 Minnesota Vikings.
The Saints are coming in off a home win and cover over the San Francisco 49ers while the Vikings are coming in off a road loss at the Tennessee Titans last week.
The New Orleans offense is explosive vertically and hitting for big yardage even without some of its top receivers. Fueled by QB Drew Brees' league-high 1,343 yards through the air, the Saints are leading the NFL in passing yards with 327.2 per game.
The Vikings rank third in the NFL in allowing just 71.8 rushing yards a game and New Orleans ranks near the bottom of the league with an average of 87 yards per game on the ground. The Saints running game may get better now that Deuce McAllister is back in the mix. McAllister gets the tough yards that no on else on the roster can get.
Despite not having tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Marques Colston, New Orleans has been averaging 414 yards per game. That's bad news for a Minnesota pass defense that has been at the bottom of the standings for the past two seasons. The Vikings have failed to record a sack in two of four games and they have just seven this season, tied for 19th in the NFL
After recording just eight passes of 40 yards or more in all of 2007, the Saints already have six pass plays that have gone for 40 yards or more in just four games.
The aerial game for the Vikings hasn't held up its end of the bargain since Childress assumed control. Frerotte is the fifth starting quarterback Childress has used. They will depend on their rushing attack to get the win for them tonight.
Minnesota's Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson is second in the NFL with 420 yards on 83 carries, and the Vikings are sixth in the league averaging 142 yards per game. However, he has carried the ball fewer than 20 times in three of the Vikings' four games.
For the Vikings, the status of three starters is uncertain. Linebacker E.J. Henderson is “doubtful,” while WRs Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice are “questionable. Minnesota has lost both of its road games SU and ATS in 2008. Under Childress, the Vikings are 6-7-2 ATS in 15 games as road underdogs.
Data base research has uncovered several key technical Power Systems that are active for tonight’s contest.
Play ON a non-division home favorite of 3 points or less with a TOTAL of 34-47 points off a SU & ATS win as a home favorite of more than 3 points last week. 17-0 SU and 17-0 ATS since 1990.
Play ON a non-undefeated non-division home favorite of 12 points or less/pick ‘em off a home favorite SU win & ATS win last week and before another home contest in its next game. 11-0 SU and 11-0 ATS since 1990.
Play ON a Monday non-division home team (not a favorite of 14+ points) with a TOTAL of more than 40 points off a SU win in its last game vs. an opponent off a SU loss of 7-31 points in its last game. 21-0 SU and 21-0 ATS since 1983.
Finally our Technical Situational Report has the Saints in a positive situation for tonight’s match up. It tells us to Play ON team with a Pass Offense Rating +1.5 or higher than last season, facing a team with a PWP <=.500. 45-9 ATS since 1994.
GRADED PREDICTION: 3* NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -3
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SPORTS ADVISORS
Minnesota (1-3 SU and ATS) at New Orleans (2-2, 3-1 ATS)
The Saints porous defense figures to be tested when the Vikings bring the NFL’s second-leading rusher to the Superdome for a Monday night NFC showdown.
New Orleans has the league’s fifth-worst defense this season and has allowed 1,488 total yards, including 122.8 rushing yards per game. The Saints have been outrushed in three of four games this season, with the only exception coming at home last week when they held the Niners to just 312 total yards, including 91 on the ground, in a 31-17 win as four-point favorites.
Drew Brees has been sensational for New Orleans, averaging a league-high 327.3 passing ypg and ranking third in the NFL with a 106.9 passer rating. He threw for 363 yards and three TDs against San Francisco last week.
Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson has the burden of carrying his team’s offense, which struggles in the passing game. Peterson, who rushed 1,341 yards and 12 TDs as a rookie last year, has amassed 420 yards on the ground through four games, including netting 80 in last week’s 30-17 loss in Tennessee, with the Vikings coming up short as three-point ‘dogs.
The Vikings have won three straight matchups (3-0 ATS) with New Orleans going back to 2002, and they are 6-1 in the last seven meetings (5-2 ATS) dating back to 1995. The last time these two met was in 2005 when Minnesota prevailed 33-16 as a four-point road chalk.
Brad Childress’ Vikings are in ATS slumps of 1-6 overall, 2-5 on the highway and 1-4 following a non-cover. Meanwhile, New Orleans is on pointspread slides of 7-16-1 in the Superdome, 3-8 following a spread-cover, 4-9 against teams with a losing record and 0-4 in Week 5.
New Orleans has struggled at home under the Monday night lights, going 1-7 SU (2-6 ATS), including a loss to Tennessee in Week 3 last year, while the Vikings are 10-17 SU (12-14-1 ATS) on the road on Mondays.
For Minnesota, the over is on runs of 8-0 in Week 5 games, 10-3-1 after an ATS loss and 7-3 on artificial turf, but the Vikings have stayed under the total in eight of their last 10 on Monday night. The Saints sport nothing but over trends, including 8-0-1 overall, 14-3-1 against NFC competition, 6-0-1 at home and 6-0-1 after a spread-cover. Also, all five Monday night games this season have soared over the total, and the over is 5-1-1 in the last seven regular-season meetings between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
A.L. DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Tampa Bay (2-1) at Chicago White Sox (1-2)
The White Sox staved off elimination Sunday and will try to do it again tonight when they send Gavin Floyd (17-8, 3.84 ERA) to the hill at U.S. Cellular Field against the Rays’ Andy Sonnanstine (13-9, 4.38 ERA) in Game 4 of their American League Divisional series.
Chicago closed the series gap to 2-1 with Sunday’s 5-3 victory and will look to send this to a deciding Game 5 in Tampa Bay with a win tonight. The White Sox have won just two of the last nine meetings against the Rays, but they are tough to beat in the Windy City in the postseason, going 6-1 in their last seven home playoff games and 9-2 in their last 11 playoff games anywhere.
Tampa is still on runs of 7-4 overall and 4-2 against teams with a winning record. Meanwhile, Chicago is just 4-7 in its last 11 overall, but the White Sox are on positive streaks of 43-18 at home and 40-14 at home against teams with a losing road record.
Sonnanstine hasn’t recorded a win since Aug. 18, spanning seven games with three losses and four no-decisions. He last pitched on Sept. 26 in Detroit when he allowed five runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-4 loss. He faced Chicago on Aug. 24 and gave up four runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings and got a no-decision in a 6-5 loss. For his career against the ChiSox, Sonnanstine is 1-0 with a 2.96 ERA in four starts spanning 27 1/3 innings.
Floyd, who has never faced the Rays, he finished the regular season strong, going 5-2 with two no-decisions in his last nine starts. He pitched a critical makeup game against the Tigers a week ago tonight, allowing two runs (one earned) in six innings of an 8-2 victory that got the White Sox into a playoff game against the Twins the following day. Floyd was 10-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 17 starts in the Windy City this season, including one complete game.
This is the first postseason appearance for both Floyd and Sonnanstine.
For the Rays, the over is on runs of 5-2 on the road, 6-3 overall and 11-5 against A.L. Central squads. Meanwhile, the under is 23-8-2 in Chicago’s last 33 against the A.L. East and 6-2 in its last eight Monday games, but the over is on a 6-3 run for the White Sox in the playoffs.
Finally, the under is 14-4 in the last 18 series meetings between these clubs, including Sunday’s game that barely stayed under the 8½ total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO WHITE SOX
L.A. Angels (1-2) at Boston (2-1)
The Angels finally broke through with a playoff win over the Red Sox on Saturday night and now will try to even things up when they send ace John Lackey (12-5, 3.75) to the mound a Fenway Park to face Boston southpaw Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) in a Game 1 rematch.
After 11 straight postseason losses to Boston, the Angels scored a 5-4, 12-inning victory at Fenway Park on Sunday night. Los Angeles catcher Mike Napoli had a big night with two homers and three runs scored, including the game-winner.
Los Angeles took eight of nine from the Red Sox in the regular season and are now 1-11 in the last 12 playoff contest against them. The Angels have won six straight at Fenway this year and they’re on further hot streaks of 8-1 on the highway and 23-10 against the A.L. East. Meanwhile, Boston is 63-27 in its last 90 at Fenway, 21-7 in its last 28 postseason contests and 7-2 in its last nine divisional playoff home games.
Lackey was the loser in Game 1 of this series Wednesday, giving up two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings as the Red Sox earned the 4-1 win. Leading 1-0 in the sixth inning, Lackey gave up a two-run homer to Jason Bay that turned the game around. He is now 3-8 with a 5.38 ERA in 15 career starts (against Boston, and L.A. is 3-12 in those outings (0-2 in the playoffs). However, Lackey did pitch well at Fenway back in late July, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning and finishing with a complete-game two-hitter in a 6-2 Angels’ win.
Lester was magnificent in the opening game of this series, giving up one unearned run on six hits in seven innings and striking out seven. Prior to that effort, Lester had been 1-1 with a 7.78 ERA in four career regular-season starts against the Angels. Also, Lester was spectacular at Fenway this season, going 11-1 with a 2.49 ERA in 17 starts, with Boston winning 15 of those contests.
The Angels are on over streaks of 6-2-1 overall and 6-2-1 on the road against teams with a winning record, but the under is 4-0-2 in their last six road playoff games. Meanwhile, Boston is has stayed under at a 4-2-1 clip in its last seven at home and the under is 28-11-5 in its last 44 on Mondays.
Finally, the over is 11-5-3 in the last 19 Angels-Red Sox battles in Boston (regular season and postseason), with the teams pushing the total in Sunday’s 5-4 contest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
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Minnesota (1-3 SU and ATS) at New Orleans (2-2, 3-1 ATS)
The Saints porous defense figures to be tested when the Vikings bring the NFL’s second-leading rusher to the Superdome for a Monday night NFC showdown.
New Orleans has the league’s fifth-worst defense this season and has allowed 1,488 total yards, including 122.8 rushing yards per game. The Saints have been outrushed in three of four games this season, with the only exception coming at home last week when they held the Niners to just 312 total yards, including 91 on the ground, in a 31-17 win as four-point favorites.
Drew Brees has been sensational for New Orleans, averaging a league-high 327.3 passing ypg and ranking third in the NFL with a 106.9 passer rating. He threw for 363 yards and three TDs against San Francisco last week.
Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson has the burden of carrying his team’s offense, which struggles in the passing game. Peterson, who rushed 1,341 yards and 12 TDs as a rookie last year, has amassed 420 yards on the ground through four games, including netting 80 in last week’s 30-17 loss in Tennessee, with the Vikings coming up short as three-point ‘dogs.
The Vikings have won three straight matchups (3-0 ATS) with New Orleans going back to 2002, and they are 6-1 in the last seven meetings (5-2 ATS) dating back to 1995. The last time these two met was in 2005 when Minnesota prevailed 33-16 as a four-point road chalk.
Brad Childress’ Vikings are in ATS slumps of 1-6 overall, 2-5 on the highway and 1-4 following a non-cover. Meanwhile, New Orleans is on pointspread slides of 7-16-1 in the Superdome, 3-8 following a spread-cover, 4-9 against teams with a losing record and 0-4 in Week 5.
New Orleans has struggled at home under the Monday night lights, going 1-7 SU (2-6 ATS), including a loss to Tennessee in Week 3 last year, while the Vikings are 10-17 SU (12-14-1 ATS) on the road on Mondays.
For Minnesota, the over is on runs of 8-0 in Week 5 games, 10-3-1 after an ATS loss and 7-3 on artificial turf, but the Vikings have stayed under the total in eight of their last 10 on Monday night. The Saints sport nothing but over trends, including 8-0-1 overall, 14-3-1 against NFC competition, 6-0-1 at home and 6-0-1 after a spread-cover. Also, all five Monday night games this season have soared over the total, and the over is 5-1-1 in the last seven regular-season meetings between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
A.L. DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Tampa Bay (2-1) at Chicago White Sox (1-2)
The White Sox staved off elimination Sunday and will try to do it again tonight when they send Gavin Floyd (17-8, 3.84 ERA) to the hill at U.S. Cellular Field against the Rays’ Andy Sonnanstine (13-9, 4.38 ERA) in Game 4 of their American League Divisional series.
Chicago closed the series gap to 2-1 with Sunday’s 5-3 victory and will look to send this to a deciding Game 5 in Tampa Bay with a win tonight. The White Sox have won just two of the last nine meetings against the Rays, but they are tough to beat in the Windy City in the postseason, going 6-1 in their last seven home playoff games and 9-2 in their last 11 playoff games anywhere.
Tampa is still on runs of 7-4 overall and 4-2 against teams with a winning record. Meanwhile, Chicago is just 4-7 in its last 11 overall, but the White Sox are on positive streaks of 43-18 at home and 40-14 at home against teams with a losing road record.
Sonnanstine hasn’t recorded a win since Aug. 18, spanning seven games with three losses and four no-decisions. He last pitched on Sept. 26 in Detroit when he allowed five runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-4 loss. He faced Chicago on Aug. 24 and gave up four runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings and got a no-decision in a 6-5 loss. For his career against the ChiSox, Sonnanstine is 1-0 with a 2.96 ERA in four starts spanning 27 1/3 innings.
Floyd, who has never faced the Rays, he finished the regular season strong, going 5-2 with two no-decisions in his last nine starts. He pitched a critical makeup game against the Tigers a week ago tonight, allowing two runs (one earned) in six innings of an 8-2 victory that got the White Sox into a playoff game against the Twins the following day. Floyd was 10-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 17 starts in the Windy City this season, including one complete game.
This is the first postseason appearance for both Floyd and Sonnanstine.
For the Rays, the over is on runs of 5-2 on the road, 6-3 overall and 11-5 against A.L. Central squads. Meanwhile, the under is 23-8-2 in Chicago’s last 33 against the A.L. East and 6-2 in its last eight Monday games, but the over is on a 6-3 run for the White Sox in the playoffs.
Finally, the under is 14-4 in the last 18 series meetings between these clubs, including Sunday’s game that barely stayed under the 8½ total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO WHITE SOX
L.A. Angels (1-2) at Boston (2-1)
The Angels finally broke through with a playoff win over the Red Sox on Saturday night and now will try to even things up when they send ace John Lackey (12-5, 3.75) to the mound a Fenway Park to face Boston southpaw Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) in a Game 1 rematch.
After 11 straight postseason losses to Boston, the Angels scored a 5-4, 12-inning victory at Fenway Park on Sunday night. Los Angeles catcher Mike Napoli had a big night with two homers and three runs scored, including the game-winner.
Los Angeles took eight of nine from the Red Sox in the regular season and are now 1-11 in the last 12 playoff contest against them. The Angels have won six straight at Fenway this year and they’re on further hot streaks of 8-1 on the highway and 23-10 against the A.L. East. Meanwhile, Boston is 63-27 in its last 90 at Fenway, 21-7 in its last 28 postseason contests and 7-2 in its last nine divisional playoff home games.
Lackey was the loser in Game 1 of this series Wednesday, giving up two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings as the Red Sox earned the 4-1 win. Leading 1-0 in the sixth inning, Lackey gave up a two-run homer to Jason Bay that turned the game around. He is now 3-8 with a 5.38 ERA in 15 career starts (against Boston, and L.A. is 3-12 in those outings (0-2 in the playoffs). However, Lackey did pitch well at Fenway back in late July, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning and finishing with a complete-game two-hitter in a 6-2 Angels’ win.
Lester was magnificent in the opening game of this series, giving up one unearned run on six hits in seven innings and striking out seven. Prior to that effort, Lester had been 1-1 with a 7.78 ERA in four career regular-season starts against the Angels. Also, Lester was spectacular at Fenway this season, going 11-1 with a 2.49 ERA in 17 starts, with Boston winning 15 of those contests.
The Angels are on over streaks of 6-2-1 overall and 6-2-1 on the road against teams with a winning record, but the under is 4-0-2 in their last six road playoff games. Meanwhile, Boston is has stayed under at a 4-2-1 clip in its last seven at home and the under is 28-11-5 in its last 44 on Mondays.
Finally, the over is 11-5-3 in the last 19 Angels-Red Sox battles in Boston (regular season and postseason), with the teams pushing the total in Sunday’s 5-4 contest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
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Kevin Kavitch Overall 16-11-1 headed into Monday night's play and Tops are 3-0-0. ATS picks are 14-7-1 67% and totals have disappointed at 2-4-0.
At the heart of this play, Minnesota is better than the public thinks and at 1-3 they'll be hungry and highly motivated. They beat & outgained a good Panthers team 2 weeks ago in Frerotte's 1st start and last week outgained but lost on the road to a strong Titans team. A -3 turnover margin was the difference. That game helps us here and their stock is down because the public just sees the final score and their season record. The Saints have a high powered offense but it will be very tough to run the ball tonight. The Minny pass D has been decent and while New Orleans has the edge in that matchup, the Vikings have the ability to minimize the damage. The big matchup tho is the Vikings offence vs the Saints D. The Saints run D has been horrible and the Vikings have a real chance to control the game there which also takes the ball out of the hands of Brees. Frerotte has played well and has 2 starts under his belt now. The Saints pass D is very beatable. New Orleans won a division game last week (49ers) to move to 2-2. I like the setup as we have the team with better fundamentals, stronger motivation, and matchup advantages catching points. As a bonus, the public is on New Orleans in a big way but the line hasn't moved. Another positive indicator for the Vikings. Take Minnesota +3 for a 5* Top Play.
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At the heart of this play, Minnesota is better than the public thinks and at 1-3 they'll be hungry and highly motivated. They beat & outgained a good Panthers team 2 weeks ago in Frerotte's 1st start and last week outgained but lost on the road to a strong Titans team. A -3 turnover margin was the difference. That game helps us here and their stock is down because the public just sees the final score and their season record. The Saints have a high powered offense but it will be very tough to run the ball tonight. The Minny pass D has been decent and while New Orleans has the edge in that matchup, the Vikings have the ability to minimize the damage. The big matchup tho is the Vikings offence vs the Saints D. The Saints run D has been horrible and the Vikings have a real chance to control the game there which also takes the ball out of the hands of Brees. Frerotte has played well and has 2 starts under his belt now. The Saints pass D is very beatable. New Orleans won a division game last week (49ers) to move to 2-2. I like the setup as we have the team with better fundamentals, stronger motivation, and matchup advantages catching points. As a bonus, the public is on New Orleans in a big way but the line hasn't moved. Another positive indicator for the Vikings. Take Minnesota +3 for a 5* Top Play.
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What's your problem? I didn't know he didn't have a play. That's why I was asking. And I just got confused with Stu Feiner's 100 dime play. Why don't you get lost? Just sit behind your computer and cry like a baby and don't take it out on anyone, you worthless cry baby. Are you so proud with your 500 posts? Do us all a favor and jump in front of a fast moving car. Better yet, try going out for a change and maybe if you're covering your face, you'll meet a girl.
Sportsbettingstats
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints -3.5
The Vikings come into this Monday night game after losing last week to the Tennessee Titans 30-17, while the Saints beat the San Francisco 49'ers 31-17 to get back to .500. This game is HUGE for both teams, as they both are trailing in their divisions and the way it looks the Wild Card team will come from the NFC East, at least at this point in the season, so each team needs to start winning to compete in their respective divisions. The Vikings are led by QB Gus Frerotte (470 yds 1 TD 2 INT) and his main targets are WR's Bobby Wade (13 rec 152) and Bernard Berrian (11 rec 195 yds). The Vikings rushing attack is led by RB Adrian Peterson (420 yds 3 TD). The Saints are led by QB Drew Brees (1343 yds 8 TD 4 INT) and his main targets are RB Reggie Bush (31 rec 257 yds 2 TD) and Devery Henderson (6 rec 213 yds 1 TD). The Saints rushing attack is led by Bush (183 yds 1 TD), but he is better passing catches out of the backfield. The rushing game of the Saints recently got a lift, as Deuce McAllister (83 yds 1 TD) came back from a knee injury.
Staff Pick: This game features two of the more exciting players in the NFL in Peterson and Bush, who both can take it to the house every time they touch the ball. Since Frerotte was named the starter the Vikings have opened up their passing game more, which is not good for the Saints who rank 27th on defense and are especially weak against the pass. The Vikings rank 6th on defense and are especially strong against the run and their secondary will have to step it up in this game playing a Saints offense that is averaging just over 327 yards passing per game. The keys for this game are if Bush and McAllister can pick up some yards on the ground, so the Vikings D does not only focus on the Saints passing game and if the Saints D can stop Peterson. Minnesota has their hand on the panic button, as with a loss tonight they will be 1-4. New Orleans needs a win to keep up with the 4-1 Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. This game should be a close one, but New Orleans is at home and Brees is the better QB. Peterson will have a big game but it will not be enough as the Saints will win and cover the spread.
Saints 31 Vikings 24
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Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints -3.5
The Vikings come into this Monday night game after losing last week to the Tennessee Titans 30-17, while the Saints beat the San Francisco 49'ers 31-17 to get back to .500. This game is HUGE for both teams, as they both are trailing in their divisions and the way it looks the Wild Card team will come from the NFC East, at least at this point in the season, so each team needs to start winning to compete in their respective divisions. The Vikings are led by QB Gus Frerotte (470 yds 1 TD 2 INT) and his main targets are WR's Bobby Wade (13 rec 152) and Bernard Berrian (11 rec 195 yds). The Vikings rushing attack is led by RB Adrian Peterson (420 yds 3 TD). The Saints are led by QB Drew Brees (1343 yds 8 TD 4 INT) and his main targets are RB Reggie Bush (31 rec 257 yds 2 TD) and Devery Henderson (6 rec 213 yds 1 TD). The Saints rushing attack is led by Bush (183 yds 1 TD), but he is better passing catches out of the backfield. The rushing game of the Saints recently got a lift, as Deuce McAllister (83 yds 1 TD) came back from a knee injury.
Staff Pick: This game features two of the more exciting players in the NFL in Peterson and Bush, who both can take it to the house every time they touch the ball. Since Frerotte was named the starter the Vikings have opened up their passing game more, which is not good for the Saints who rank 27th on defense and are especially weak against the pass. The Vikings rank 6th on defense and are especially strong against the run and their secondary will have to step it up in this game playing a Saints offense that is averaging just over 327 yards passing per game. The keys for this game are if Bush and McAllister can pick up some yards on the ground, so the Vikings D does not only focus on the Saints passing game and if the Saints D can stop Peterson. Minnesota has their hand on the panic button, as with a loss tonight they will be 1-4. New Orleans needs a win to keep up with the 4-1 Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. This game should be a close one, but New Orleans is at home and Brees is the better QB. Peterson will have a big game but it will not be enough as the Saints will win and cover the spread.
Saints 31 Vikings 24
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Bob Balfe
NFL Football
Vikings/Saints Under 46.5
Lets take it one team at a time starting with the Vikings. Minnesota has a pretty good run defense with the Williams boys in the middle and on offense Gus Frerotte is the kind of guy that can manage games, but doesn't have the ability to take over the game and light up the scoreboard when playing on the road. Minnesota wants to manage the clock keeping the Saints lethal offense off the field. Look for Peterson and Taylor to run the ball a lot tonight. New Orleans is going to without two of their top receivers tonight and the running game has yet to get going this year. Minnesota will make it hard to for the Saints to be balanced as their run defense is very good. Drew Brees is a great QB, but he stands under 6ft with a huge offensive line and a Minnesota defensive line that is just as big. Brees wont have a big target in Colston to throw the ball too and it makes a big difference when a QB cannot completely see over those trees on the line. Every MNF and Sunday Night game is going over the total with ease. This is a trend that wont continue long and this total is inflated because of how many games did go over the total. Look for a slower paced game then one would think. Take the Under.
College Football
No plays today.
Major League Baseball
Redsox -140 over Angels
Lester/Lackey
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NFL Football
Vikings/Saints Under 46.5
Lets take it one team at a time starting with the Vikings. Minnesota has a pretty good run defense with the Williams boys in the middle and on offense Gus Frerotte is the kind of guy that can manage games, but doesn't have the ability to take over the game and light up the scoreboard when playing on the road. Minnesota wants to manage the clock keeping the Saints lethal offense off the field. Look for Peterson and Taylor to run the ball a lot tonight. New Orleans is going to without two of their top receivers tonight and the running game has yet to get going this year. Minnesota will make it hard to for the Saints to be balanced as their run defense is very good. Drew Brees is a great QB, but he stands under 6ft with a huge offensive line and a Minnesota defensive line that is just as big. Brees wont have a big target in Colston to throw the ball too and it makes a big difference when a QB cannot completely see over those trees on the line. Every MNF and Sunday Night game is going over the total with ease. This is a trend that wont continue long and this total is inflated because of how many games did go over the total. Look for a slower paced game then one would think. Take the Under.
College Football
No plays today.
Major League Baseball
Redsox -140 over Angels
Lester/Lackey
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