The first London game of the 2022 NFL regular season is upon us, as the Minnesota Vikings will face the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, giving diehard football fans a game to watch over breakfast. The two teams took very different approaches to the challenges of playing six hours ahead of Eastern time, as the Saints headed to London right after their game at Carolina on Sunday, while the Vikings do not plan to leave until Thursday night. The biggest question hanging over the game is the status of Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, who is dealing with a back injury and did not practice Wednesday. Even healthy, Winston’s play has been a cause for concern since the team’s comeback win in Week 1. The Saints have fallen to 1-2, as Winston has gone 50 of 81 for 589 yards and two touchdowns – but also five interceptions. Andy Dalton would start if Winston is held out of Sunday’s game, and Saints coach Dennis Allen has not committed to a starter yet. We have some insights about the game that may help your NFL betting decision.
NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
(Sunday, October 2)
When: Sunday, October 2, 2022, 9:30 am ET
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
TV: Prime Video
Radio: KFXN 690 AM Minneapolis / WWL 870 AM New Orleans
Live Stream: Prime Video
NFL Odds: Minnesota -2.5 / O/U 43.5 // Minnesota -145 / New Orleans +118
Why should you bet on the Vikings?
Away from U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings are just 2-5 in their last seven games. However, they look to build on a strong 2-1 start that includes wins over Green Bay and Detroit. Kirk Cousins has played well in the two wins, but his three interceptions were a huge factor in the 24-7 loss at Philadelphia in Week 2. When he’s on, the team is hard to stop offensively, thanks to the explosive play of Justin Jefferson and the consistency of Adam Thielen. Dalvin Cook dislocated his shoulder but should be healthy enough to play in a harness, although Alexander Mattison should get more carries. He played well in the Week 3 win, so the Vikings shouldn’t see much dropoff either way.
The Vikings’ defense has improved from the dumpster fire that it became last year, permitting just 18.3 points per game. Jordan Hicks has already stacked up 31 tackles, and Za’Darius Smith leads the team with two sacks. In games between these two teams, the favorite has covered the spread six of the last eight times. Even though Cousins looked shaky in Philadelphia, that had a lot to do with a fearsome Eagle pass rush, and he bounced back well last week.
Why should you put your money on the Saints?
The Saints have won four of their last five games away from the Superdome (although they have only covered four times in their last 14 meetings with teams with winning records. In addition to the questions around Winston, wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry all are on the fragile side as they had to leave the game in Week 3. Alvin Kamara has only picked up 100 yards on the ground so far this season, but the team is running for over 111 yards per game.
On defense, the Saints have allowed 22.7 points per game, and Pete Werner is the top tackler with 32. Losing to Carolina was not particularly impressive after the Panthers had dropped two ugly games to start the season, so Dennis Allen’s defense still needs to make some changes ahead of seeing the Vikings.
Final Score and Prediction
London games can be tricky when it comes to betting, just like bowl games can be in college football. Football teams thrive on routine, but international travel brings all kinds of distractions. I think the Vikings bring a better culture of preparation at this point, and their offense has been more consistent. I predict a final score of Minnesota 31, New Orleans 23.
NFL Betting Odds
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