This is an interesting matchup across the pond in London. Neither team has a ton of momentum on their side at this point in time. The Vikings won on a last-minute touchdown against the Lions last week. The Saints failed to score until the fourth quarter last week, ultimately losing 14-22 at Carolina.
So which team will pick themselves up and find success in the first NFL London game of the season? Let’s take a look at the odds while uncovering my favorite Vikings vs. Saints predictions for this Sunday morning matchup.
Vikings vs. Saints Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | -2.5 (-110) | -140 | O 43 (-115) |
| Saints | +2.5 (-110) | +120 | U 43 (-110) |
Odds via BetFred Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 29.
Game Info
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 2
- Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – London, UK
- TV: NFL Network
Vikings vs. Saints Trends
- The Vikings are 1-2 ATS in 2022.
- The Saints are 0-3 ATS in 2022.
- The Over is 12-8 in the Vikings’ last 20 games.
- The Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as the underdog.
- The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as the favorite.
- As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 53% of tickets and 71% of the money are on the favorite Vikings against the spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 51% of betting tickets and 43% of the handle have selected Over 43 total points.
Vikings Get Comeback Win Last Week
Kirk Cousins regrouped from the pitiful Monday Night performance in Week 2. He was much better last week against the Lions, throwing for 262 yards, two touchdowns, and a fantastic 71% completion rate.
Kirk Cousins hit KJ Osborn for the GAME WINNING touchdown and @PAOnTheMic totally LOST HIS MIND!! #kfanvikes pic.twitter.com/CE23d6rd3a
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) September 25, 2022
Minnesota could be without Dalvin Cook as he injured his shoulder last week. However, long-time backup RB Alexander Mattison is a solid fill-in, and the Vikings won’t see much regression with him in the starting lineup.
The Vikings will face a tough defense with CB Marshon Lattimore covering star WR Justin Jefferson, who only has nine catches for 62 yards in the last two games. They’ll also see Cam Jordan and this defensive line going after a Minnesota offensive line that allowed pressure on 31% of its dropbacks last week. These matchups will likely be the key to the game. Can the Vikings give Cousins time to throw? Can Jefferson get open against Lattimore and company?
Saints Have A Long Injury Report
While the Saints are 1-2, they could easily be 0-3 as the Falcons pulled out an old trick and gave up a huge lead late in the game.
The injuries are a massive concern as QB Jameis Winston (back/ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. If he were to miss this game, Andy Dalton would get the start, and they even have Taysom Hill, who has switched from quarterback to tight end more times than outfits on a first date, also getting reps behind center.
Full explanation on Jameis Winston’s back injury and how he says it’s affecting him. Winston tells @lindsayczarniak it is a “transverse fracture” in his back #Saints pic.twitter.com/oA9z4KVO63
— Brooke Kirchhofer (@brookechesney) September 25, 2022
The depth at receiver is also thin as Jarvis Landry (ankle), Michael Thomas (foot), and Tre’Quan Smith (concussion) either missed or were limited in practice. Rookie WR Chris Olave has quickly become a favorite of Winston, with 26 targets in his last two games, and should continue to get a heavy role in the passing game.
Winston needs to be better at eyeing off the defenders — he has a Jameis-like five interceptions in the last two games, with two of those on an Olave targeted throw.
Vikings vs. Saints Predictions
Vegas believes there isn’t much difference between these teams as Minnesota is less than a field goal favorite on a neutral site. They definitely have it right as it should be a close one.
The Saints’ offense is not looking good right now. Winston is turning the ball over, the pass protection hasn’t been good, and the run game has been stagnant.
Right now would be the best time to take the Vikings to cover. If Winston doesn’t play, that line will jump. The Vikings are the better team and will win, but grab the spread at under a field goal.
Pick: Vikings -2.5 | -110 BetFred Sportsbook
