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The New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings are on the doorstep of their matchup in the wild-card round of this year’s NFL playoffs tournament, and there are plenty of questions that need answering surrounding the game.
To get the best perspective, we went behind enemy lines to ask Vikings Wire’s Kyle Ratke. Here is what we learned:
1. The Saints have played the Vikings often in recent years, both in the playoffs and the regular season. They even had a preseason game just a few months ago. What’s most different about the latest version of the Vikings we’ll see on Sunday?
KR: I think it’s probably that the defense isn’t the team’s strength these days. The defensive backs have struggled mightily this season. Now that the team will be without Mike Hughes (neck) and Mackensie Alexander (knee), it puts even more pressure on a cornerback group that has been subpar this season. That’s not great news against Michael Thomas and company.
2. Xavier Rhodes has been poorly graded by Pro Football Focus and other outlets this year. Is he dealing with age, an injury, or just missing his mojo?
KR: A lot of it has to do with the game changing so much. Rhodes was at his best when he was able to be physical with other receivers. With the NFL rule changes, he can’t get away with the things that made him thrive before. He isn’t as quick as he once was, either. It would be a huge surprise if Rhodes was a Viking in 2020.
3. Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook haven’t played together in months due to injuries. Are they going to be close to 100% when they play the Saints?
KR: Both should be 100 percent. They both practiced in full all week. The question is whether or not there will be any rust there. The Vikings will need both of these players to be at their best if the Vikings want to pull off an upset.
4. Kirk Cousins has a reputation of struggling in big games in prime time. Is there anything to do that, and how do you think he’ll respond to the pressure of just his second playoff game?
KR: While Cousins hasn’t been great in big games, he’s also been way better in Minnesota than anyone is giving him credit for. If he lays an egg in this one, he surely should get some criticism. But I think he’s going to be just fine in this game with all of his weapons back. The question will be whether he can keep up with the Saints offense.
5. Aright, who’s winning this thing? What is your final score prediction?
KR: As much as I’d love the Vikings to pull off the upset (for my fandom and website numbers), I just don’t see it happening. I don’t this one will be particularly close. Saints 34, Vikings 23.
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