Here we go! The dirty, cheating Saints in the 1st round. The Vikings are stumbling into the playoffs, but none of that matters anymore. Plenty of 6 seeds have made noise in the past. Can Kirk pull off a miracle run like Joe Flacco did a few years back with the Ravens?

Tough, tough draw. I think the Saints are the best all-around team in the NFC. I have no idea what the Vikings need to do to keep it close.

Tough, tough draw. I think the Saints are the best all-around team in the NFC. I have no idea what the Vikings need to do to keep it close.

They will need to somehow contain Michael Thomas... I’d probably put Mack Alexander on him all game because I have no faith in Rhodes, Waynes, or Hughes keeping up with him.

 

The OL needs to step up big time. They’ve looked bad the last 3 weeks. People can say Kirk holds on to the ball too long, and that’s partially true. Except the last 2 games when the DL is past our OL as soon as the ball is snapped.

They will need to somehow contain Michael Thomas... I’d probably put Mack Alexander on him all game because I have no faith in Rhodes, Waynes, or Hughes keeping up with him.

The OL needs to step up big time. They’ve looked bad the last 3 weeks. People can say Kirk holds on to the ball too long, and that’s partially true. Except the last 2 games when the DL is past our OL as soon as the ball is snapped.

The Saints have great rushers. I have no idea how the Vikings are going to keep up on offense. Maybe hit on a couple screens? (Even though they will be looking for them?) A Cook draw at the right moment? Fake punt formations converted to first downs?

I have little confidence.... But at least this saves me money from going to the game in Seattle.....

 

The OL and DBs will, I predict, cost this team the game. Which is interesting, as most of their early picks are in those two spots.....

Saints 24

Vikings 23

 

Dan Bailey missed extra point is the difference.

I see a blowout.

Not confident about this game. Much rather play anyone else. However, if they somehow pull it out, they go to SF, which is a very winnable game imo. Then, hopefully GB to break their backs at home.

Saints 24

Vikings 23

 

Dan Bailey missed extra point is the difference.

Is this a prediction, or have you come from the future to help us?

This seems like a bad draw for us. I could see the Saints blowing us out fairly early. But if the offense can get into gear and we stop a few TDs and give up FGs instead ...

 

We have a chance but the coaching staff is going to have to throw in a few wrinkles, go for it a bit more on fourth and short and call a strong game. The Saints defense can give up a bunch of points. 48 to the 49ers, 31 to Panthers, 28 to Tennessee, all since Thanksgiving. 

 

Let's be optimistic. Vikings 35 Saints 23.

It will end on Sunday like it always ends for our Vikings. Here's hoping it's a run of the mill loss instead of a heartbreak or choke.

Another day, another playoff loss. At least the gophers show up in the postseason.... Imagine saying that 2 years ago.

No Hughes, No Alexander... Somehow Rhodes is going to have to find the fountain of youth and keep up with Michael Thomas.

No Hughes, No Alexander... Somehow Rhodes is going to have to find the fountain of youth and keep up with Michael Thomas.

Not going to happen. Rhodes has been one of the 2 or 3 worst starting cornerbacks by nearly every measure.

 

The Vikings can still win this game, but it'll have to be in spite of Thomas, not because they've shut him down.

At least my expectations are low going in. When they pull another Philly performance I won't be disappointed. Saints have been shaky recently, so it isn't like they are an unstoppable force.

 

Once this season is over, and if the politics forum isn't unlocked, I might not post again for awhile. Zero excitement for any of the professional sports teams in MN.

 

To cheer y’all up, here’s my dog with his game face on.

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To cheer y’all up, here’s my dog with his game face on.

You're dog looks just as worried as us, so I'm not sure how that's supposed to cheer us up.

Why did Mackenzie Alexander play 50 snaps in a game the Vikings weren't trying to win?

Unreal.

Can a Minnesota team get a great player (which Thielen is) who doesn't choke in the playoffs?

Theilen already making a difference, FUMBLE

I can't stand those announcers!! They are so negative about the Vikes The Pats game got Romo and Nantz and we get Gumby and Pokey....After seeing those great games last night, we have a good chance of winning. Running game looks good...

Yeah Buck/Aikmen aren’t fun, but Romo/Nantz would not shut up about the Patriots yesterday.

 

Only reason I knew the Titans were playing was because they’d also talk about Mike Vrabel.....used to play for the Patriots.

These two have always been insufferable. Rhodes doing what he's done all year: get beat then whine about it. Vikes are playing hard, but Cook isn't going to beat the Saints on the ground.

This is probably the best game they’ve played this year so far. Zimmer came in with a great plan. It’s a game of two halfs and they need to sustain it.

This is probably the best game they’ve played this year so far. Zimmer came in with a great plan. It’s a game of two halfs and they need to sustain it.

Oh man ... are you trying to jinx it????? Hosken, you should know better!

Oh man ... are you trying to jinx it????? Hosken, you should know better!

Just waiting for the other shoe to drop. No way they can play this good the entire game. Minnechoksa. Raise the white flag already.

Well they made it a good game. Needed a TD there. No way Brees doesn’t get a TD now.

I blame Hosken.

Play calling has been horrendous the last several drives. Let Stefanski go coach the Browns. They deserve him.

LAST POSSESION WAS BAD,  HAD A CHANCE TO END IT