The 2010 NFL betting season kicks remote with a huge rematch between the Supplementary Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings. Last year’s NFC Championship profession was one of the superior of the year, and ended auspiciously in regard to the Vikings when Favre threw a costly pick. While Thursday sunset will be one of celebration for the Saints as they begin their Super Roll title defense, it’s one filled with questions for the Vikings.
First and primary is the health of Brett Favre, who has been plagued by an ankle injury all summer. Surgery did little to help it recover fully, and with Favre’s reduced mobility in the pocket, he could be another tackling dummy for the Saints again. While Latest Orleans failed to notch a sack on Favre in the NFC title game, they placid registered 6 devastating hits on the quarterback.
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Which is why priority one for the Vikings should and will be deploying Adrian Peterson as much as possible. As good as New Orleans’ defense is on paper, they still gave up 122.2 rushing yards per game and the fact that Peterson rumbled for 133 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground the last time they met should entice some of the Vikings’ betting backers.
The loss of Sidney Rice is devastating to Minnesota. His sure hands and leaping ability made him a prime target for Favre, but they still have a weapon that was used very little last year.
Bernard Berrian isn’t Sidney Rice, but he’s definitely a capable stand-in in this day that he’s break his hamstring injury from last year. Berrian, combined with the heavily targeted Visanthe Shiancoe and Percy Harvin will make life a living hell for the Saints if and when Peterson relieves Favre of the pressure.
Minnesota Vikings (0-0) vs. New Orleans Saints (0-0)
Thursday, September 9th — Louisiana Superdome — 8:30pm EST
NFL Betting Line: New Orleans -5.0 (48)
The New Orleans Saints deserve to be favorites in this game no matter how much you can talk yourself in to betting on the Vikings. They’re at home, and they’re zealous fans wishes be as drunk as at any point when they celebrate last year’s Wonderful Spin victory.
However, there are decided weaknesses for the Saints that originate on defense.
Second-year corner Malcolm Jenkins is a starter-worthy talent but he’ll be replacing Darren Sharper who is on the WHIPPERSNAPPER list this year after foremost the league in interceptions. New Orleans allowed 235.6 passing yards against last year, and without Sharper that pass defense will-power take a definitive step back.
Which means that Drew Brees will have to be at his vanquish yet again right out of the gate. Don’t undervalue Minnesota’s defense in this game, especially since they ranked 19th against the give someone the run-around b cajole and 2nd against the run. Brees solely managed to connect on 17-of-31 passes for 197 yards, though he scored 3 touchdowns.
We’re all selling the Vikings down the river in NFL betting for the season opener because they’re old, are troubled by injuries, while being matched up against the defending champions. But one of the biggest reasons they were effective last year on the betting line was their heavy-set defense.