The Minnesota Vikings have the odds stacked against them as they travel to New Orleans this weekend to take on the 13-3 Saints. The Saints have been one of the best teams all season while the Vikings have been up and down. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer stated most people are already counting them as if The Minneapolis Miracle didn’t happen just two seasons ago. This roster has not had much turnover since so why can’t they pull of another miracle?
Rushing Attack
Dalvin Cook finally had a year that everyone knew he was capable of having. Cook, almost managed to stay healthy for the entire season, ranked seventh in the league with 1,654 scrimmage yards. The team decided to sit him down for the final two games so he could nurse a shoulder injury and be as close to 100 percent for this game.
When asked about how he feels ahead of the Wildcard game, Cook stated, “I’m going to be ready to go, I’m going to be at full strength, and I’m looking for a good football game.”
That should make all Minnesota Vikings fans breathe a small sigh of relief. Cook’s backup Alexander Mattison is dealing with his own injury so it will be up to Cook to lead this rushing offense.
The key to Minnesota’s strong running game has been their offensive line. Their line is one of the best for opening holes for any of their running backs to run through. They also gave up the fifth lowest amount of sacks, keeping Kirk Cousins upright and able to complete his pass more often than not.
Team Health
The Vikings enter the postseason with the healthiest roster. Some of their players are banged up, but most of their major players are close to 100 percent. This is the first time since Week 6 that Minnesota boasts it’s full offensive lineup. During that game, the Vikings took down the Philadelphia Eagles 38-20.
The only major player that could possibly miss the game is linebacker Eric Kendricks, but it’s possible he does play. Comparably, New Orleans could possibly be without three of their starters in the defensive backfield. This is something Kirk Cousins has to be able to exploit all game.
[…] play against. With his ability to give rid of the ball in record time and impeccable accuracy, the Vikings defense is in for a long day if they cannot contain […]