New Orleans Saints (5-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-4)
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings 11/12/23 – In the landscape of the NFL, where each week can drastically shift playoff implications, the New Orleans Saints are set to clash with the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 10 matchup that has both teams locked at a 5-4 record. Fans and bettors alike are gearing up for this encounter as it could have significant consequences for NFL future picks, given the balance in the teams’ performances leading up to this game. The battle at U.S. Bank Stadium will not only be a test of current form but could also act as a barometer for the remainder of the season.
The New Orleans Saints enter the fray with an offense that has potential yet struggles with consistency, especially in the rushing game with Alvin Kamara yet to hit his stride and a passing game that sees quarterback Derek Carr with a solid completion rate but an area of concern in terms of sacks. Wide receiver Chris Olave emerges as a bright spot, promising to play a significant role with his receiving prowess.
The Minnesota Vikings showcase a more balanced offensive strength, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ high productivity and connection with star wideout Justin Jefferson, who poses a considerable threat with his deep-field catching ability. The Vikings’ ground game, paralleling the Saints’, also needs a boost in scoring to complement their effective aerial assault.
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings 11/12/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Derek Carr QB vs. Kirk Cousins QB
Derek Carr‘s season has been a journey of persistence. He has faced a tough pass rush, resulting in 19 sacks and has had to navigate through a challenging offensive line situation. Carr’s resilience and ability to maintain a decent completion percentage and passer rating will be tested once again by a Vikings defense that can generate pressure and force quarterbacks into making mistakes.
Kirk Cousins, in contrast, has been the more efficient of the two quarterbacks. His superior completion percentage and passer rating reflect a season wherein he’s effectively marshaled the Vikings’ offense. Cousins’s ability to spread the ball around, especially to his favorite target, Jefferson, will play a significant role in breaking down the Saints’ defensive coverage.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Saints -135, Total Odds: 38.5
The Saints enter the matchup as slight favorites, indicating the confidence oddsmakers have in their ability to outperform the Vikings, particularly on defense. The slim point spread suggests that a close game is expected, and the total odds point to a low-scoring affair, potentially dominated by defensive play.
New Orleans Saints Betting Trends
The Saints have struggled against the spread, going 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games, signaling issues with consistency and perhaps indicating that they are overvalued by the market. However, they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against the Vikings, which could play a psychological advantage. The total has consistently gone UNDER for New Orleans, hinting at their strong defensive play and less explosive offense this season.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
Minnesota’s recent form, especially against the spread with a 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games, shows they’ve been undervalued by bettors, which could make them a sneaky good pick against the Saints. Despite their strong SU record, the Vikings have not fared well ATS at home, a trend that bettors will be closely monitoring.
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings 11/12/23 Betting Picks
Taking into account all the data and trends, this matchup appears to be a classic case where the underdogs at home could upend the favorites. With both teams having potent offensive weapons but also showing tendencies towards strong defensive play, it seems reasonable to suggest a lower-scoring game than some may anticipate. Team handicappers’ picks often hinge on recent trends, which in this case, slightly favor the Vikings, especially considering the Saints’ road UNDER trend and the Vikings’ historical OVER trend when hosting.
Given the defensive strengths of both teams, the under on total points seems like a logical choice, despite the historical OVER trend when these teams clash in Minnesota. With the narrow spread, taking the Vikings to cover or even win outright could be the better value pick. As for prop bets, watching for Cousins’s passing yards or Jefferson’s receiving yards might offer the most excitement.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Orleans Saints 17, Minnesota Vikings 20