For the Vikings, this is not gearing up to be a very positive season.
As it stands, Minnesota has just a 2% of making the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight. Basically, it’s a long shot for Minnesota to get a top draft pick or a postseason berth, on account of its 6-8 record.
But that doesn’t mean the game against the Saints is meaningless. Minnesota should still look at this game and assess what talent it has for the future.
Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo has a chance to make final impressions on the coaching staff. He hasn’t been stellar as a starter this year, but he does have the opportunity to change the narrative if he goes on a tear these last two games.
Jalyn Holmes probably won’t start next season, due to Danielle Hunter returning, but he still has a chance to be a useful reserve. He could even switch back to defensive tackle next season if he starts to provide a lot of pressure for the rest of 2020.
The young corners have a chance to take more strides against a good Saints offense. Justin Jefferson can add to his rookie resume. And isn’t it fun for Vikings fans to see their team beat the Saints?
So it’s not the high-stakes game that some expected at this time of the year for the Vikings. But there are still some opportunities. It’s a long shot to think that this Minnesota team will make a postseason run in 2020. That doesn’t mean the team can’t develop for the long term, against a good team in New Orleans.