The Minnesota Vikings (2-1) and New Orleans Saints (1-2) face off in the first game of the NFL’s 2022 International Series, with Sunday’s clash taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London. The two teams have had uneven starts to their seasons, and each is dealing with injuries to key players.
Minnesota squeaked by Detroit in Week 3, overcoming a 24-14 second-half deficit to prevail by a 28-24 score. Meanwhile, the Saints fell to their NFC South mates, the Carolina Panthers, by a 22-14 margin in a game that wasn’t really as close as that score would imply.
The Vikes’ win didn’t come without a cost, though, as Dalvin Cook suffered a shoulder injury that knocked him out of the contest and has him labeled as day-to-day early in the week. The Saints continue to operate with a hobbled Jameis Winston, who’s dealing with multiple back fractures and a gimpy ankle.
They also saw Alvin Kamara return to action Sunday after a one-game absence due to injured ribs, but the talented back may not yet be 100 percent.
With the stage set, let’s dive into our Minnesota vs New Orleans best bets, betting tips, and predictions.
Vikings vs Saints Odds
The line for this game has some interesting movement in its history, with the public going in pretty heavily on the Vikings. Minnesota has gone from a one-point to a 2.5-point favorite after Week 3’s results. While both teams looked far from their best in their respective games Sunday, the fact that New Orleans has essentially struggled offensively for all but two of its first 12 quarters of the season seems to be playing a significant role.
Take a look at the best Vikings odds and Saints odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Vikings vs Saints Implied Totals
Minnesota Vikings 22.25, New Orleans Saints 19.25
Saturday 10/1 Update: With Cook now off the injury report, Winston doubtful and Thomas ruled out, the Vikings are now 3-point favorites and the total has gone down to 41.5.
Oddsmakers clearly see the Vikings simply having more offensive firepower than the Saints with or without Cook, but they also seem to be giving a nod to the Saints’ defense, which remains formidable.
The fact Alexander Mattison is a highly proven commodity that’s available to step in for Cook at a moment’s notice certainly seems to be fueling some of that confidence, and Winston’s inability to put even two strong quarters together yet this season also plays into the modest point projection for his squad despite a matchup against a Minnesota secondary that can be beaten.
Vikings vs Saints Pick of the Day
Read more on this Vikings vs Saints bet below.
Vikings vs Saints Prediction
Saturday 10/1 Update: With Cook now off the injury report, Winston doubtful and Thomas ruled out, the Vikings are now 3-point favorites and the total has gone down to 41.5. The projected absences on the Saints also modify my game prediction from its original Saints 24-21 iteration.
Minnesota Vikings 23, New Orleans Saints 20
Saturday, 10/1 Update: Thomas is out and Cook will be available
This prediction is contingent on Michael Thomas being able to play through the toe he injured in Week 3 against the Panthers. Assuming the star wideout suits up for this game and fellow receiver Jarvis Landry plays through what has now been determined to be some general ankle soreness, New Orleans should have the weapons to overcome a suspect Vikings defense in a close game.
Minnesota will naturally be able to counter with plenty even if Cook doesn’t play, considering the presence of Mattison, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn. However, the Saints’ talented secondary could go a long way to limiting the damage, even if strong safety Marcus Maye (ribs) is forced to miss a second straight game.
Vikings vs Saints Bet Tips
Here are some Vikings vs Saints betting trends to consider when considering wagers for this conference clash:
- The Vikings are 1-2 against the spread this season, including 0-1 on the road.
- The Saints are 0-3 against the spread this season, including 0-2 when traveling.
- The Over is a combined 2-4 in the two teams’ games thus far this season. However, while the projected total of 43.5 is the lowest of any Vikings game this season, all three of the Saints’ games have finished Under that number.
Vikings vs Saints Best Bets
Saturday 10/1 Update: With Cook now off the injury report, Winston doubtful and Thomas ruled out, the Vikings are now 3-point favorites and the total has gone down to 41.5.
Over 41.5 points (-108) at FanDuel Sportsbook
As already mentioned, there are plenty of talented offensive players on either side of this matchup, and the Vikings’ defense has given up the third-most total yards per game (413.3) through three contests. New Orleans has been much better while yielding just 323 per game in the same span, but another potential absence from Maye could be much more detrimental against Kirk Cousins and his pass catchers than it was versus Carolina.
Before placing this bet, get the best Vikings promo codes.
Same Game Parlay: Vikings Moneyline and Over 41.5 points (+201) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Saturday 10/1 Update: With Cook now off the injury report, Winston doubtful and Thomas ruled out, the Vikings are now 3-point favorites and the total has gone down to 41.5. This also changes this pick for me, which was originally Saints +2.5 and Over 43.5 points. With New Orleans likely to be less potent on offense with Andy Dalton under center and certainly without Thomas available.
Given the already stated logic behind going with the Over, pairing it with a Saints cover makes it a potentially profitable parlay to jump on. The Saints should have an opportunity to hang close, at minimum, with Minnesota due to their offensive skill players and solid defense.
Naturally, if Thomas is ultimately ruled out, that could change the line and the calculus, but for the moment, this is a pick worth rolling with.
Before placing this bet, get the best Saints promo codes.
