Game Preview

Following a great comeback win against the Detroit Lions in week 3, the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) take on the New Orleans Saints (1-2) Sunday at 8:30 CT in London! The last time these two teams met in the regular season Saints RB Alvin Kamara dominated the Vikings defense with 6 touchdowns to lead the Saints in a win 52-33 over the Vikings. The Saints will most likely be without their starting Quarterback, Jameis Winston, as he is dealing with injuries. Vikings OLB Za’Darius Smith is a gametime decision after suffering a knee injury in last weeks game. 

Offensive Overview

QB Kirk Cousins is coming off a great bounceback game after a poor performance in week 2. He threw for 2 touchdowns last week, including the game winner to WR KJ Osborn. Last time Cousins played in London, He threw for over 450 yards and 2 touchdowns on Washington. He looks to add another impressive performance to his London resume. 

RB Dalvin Cook missed some of last game after leaving early with an injury but he has been cleared and is good to go this week. RB Alexander Mattison looked very good filling in for Cook and he even scored a touchdown. The duo of RB’s look to continue their strong performance coming into this game against the Saints.

Vikings WR’s Adam Thielen and KJ Osborn stepped up last game after Justin Jefferson was getting held/double teams all game. Osborn, coming off the game winning touchdown last week, looks to continue his great season in which he had high expectations coming into. Adam Thielen however is having a down season compared to what we are used to seeing from him but that is only because of how good the receivers are surrounding him. Justin Jefferson looks to bounce back and continue his historic pace he has been on in his first few seasons in the league.

The OLine has been very solid this year and you could even say OT Christian Darrisaw has been our best player all year but Minnesota will need them to continue their grat season against the Saints front 7.

Defensive Overview

The Vikings could be without their Star OLB Za’Darius Smith but young EDGE DJ Wonnum should fill that hole very well. Wonnum lead the team in sacks last year with 8. The DLine needs to step up for the Vikings as they haven’t performed very well in these first 3 games. That starts with NT Harrison Phillips, who is coming off his best year of his career in Buffalo.

Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks have been phenomenal this year in the middle of the Vikings defense. Hicks is leading the team in tackles through the first few weeks. Backup LB Brian Asamoah has looked good on Kickoff this year and is the first one on almost every tackle.

The Vikings get back the core of their defense S Harrison Smith after being out with a concussion last week that he suffered in week 2. This is huge because the Vikings defensive backs already look shaky this year. CB Cameron Dantzler is looking to have a good game this week and he will be lined up most likely against rookie WR Chris Olave.

Vikings Injury Report

CB Andrew Booth JR (Quad) DOUBTFUL

OLB Za’Darius Smith (Knee) QUESTIONABLE

Saints Injury Report

WR Michael Thomas (Foot) OUT

OG Andrus Peat (Concussion) OUT

S Marcus Maye (Rib) OUT

QB Jameis Winston (Back/Ankle) DOUBTFUL

WR Jarvis Landry (Ankle) QUESTIONABLE

RB Alvin Kamara (Rib) QUESTIONABLE

CB Paulson Adebo (Ankle) UNKNOWN

DE Marcus Davenport (Shoulder) UNKNOWN

S JT Gray (Shoulder) UNKNOWN

WR Deonte Harty (Foot) UNKNOWN

WR Tre’Quan Smith (Concussion) UNKNOWN

TE Taysom Hill (Rib) UNKNOWN