3 Storylines for Vikings-Saints

Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) carries the ball for an incomplete touchdown during the first half of the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints are set to square off tomorrow on Sunday, November 12th inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Both teams have been enjoying some success in recent weeks with the Vikings being winners of four straight while the Saints have won three of their past five games, including two in a row.

Throughout the past decade-plus, these two teams have always played some highly entertaining games when they meet on the field. Ahead of this weekend’s game, here are 3 storylines to follow.

3 Storylines for Vikings-Saints

A Heated Rivalry Is Reignited

Questions Answered: Vikings-Saints Prediction, Winston or Dalton, Growing Pains
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) runs between New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (47) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports.

It all started during that infamous 2009 NFC Championship Game. The Saints would beat the Vikings in overtime to make the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, and they defeated the Indianapolis Colts to earn their first Lombardi Trophy.

Meanwhile, the Vikings and their fanbase had title hopes dashed yet again, and the Bountygate scandal following the results of the game only brought more hatred between the two franchises. Since that game, the Vikings have gotten a bit of revenge on their NFC counterparts, including the Minneapolis Miracle in 2017 and another OT playoff win during the 2019 season.

These two franchises have an extended history with each other over the past 14 seasons and have met nine times since that NFCCG. Four of those games have been decided by a single possession, so once again, we should be in line to get a great game from this matchup.

Jordan Addison vs. Marshon Lattimore

3 Storylines for Vikings/Saints
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) shown on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

In the past two matchups between these two teams, a main topic of discussion has been Justin Jefferson vs. Marshon Lattimore. In his two games against the Saints, Jefferson has recorded 16 catches for 232 yards while also adding a three-yard rushing TD to his total statline.

Jefferson is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game, but it seems highly unlikely that he would actually suit up. Thus, the conversation turns from Jefferson vs. Lattimore to Jordan Addison vs. Lattimore.

A couple weeks ago, we saw the rookie go against Jaire Alexander throughout Minnesota’s Week 8 victory over the Packers. Addison caught seven passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, getting a bit of revenge on the cornerback for his teammate after what happened between Alexander and Jefferson in the last game that these two teams met.

This time around, it will be about continuing the usual production that Jefferson has enjoyed. It won’t be easy considering Addison could also see plenty of Paulson Adebo, who has emerged as one of the best CBs in the league this year, but the rookie has been up to the challenge plenty of times throughout this season.

Can Josh Dobbs Replicate His Week 9 Showing?

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) throws the ball under pressure from Atlanta Falcons defensive end Zach Harrison (96) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone is waiting to see what kind of performance Josh Dobbs can put together to follow up his spectacular Week 9 performance. After being traded to the Vikings just five days before the game (and not even knowing he would be traded until the day of the deadline), he came into the game to relieve Jaren Hall and completed 20 of his 30 passes for 158 yards and a pair of TDs while also rushing for 66 yards and another TD.

For his efforts, Dobbs won NFC Offensive Player of the Week after tearing apart one of the league’s top defenses to this point in the season. Now, after a full week of preparation, the QB has a chance to do it again in what could prove to be a very important game for the Vikings.

At 5-4, Minnesota holds the No. 7 seed in the NFC by themselves, but they have a chance to continue climbing up the standings. Both Seattle and San Francisco sit at 5-3 right now while the 6-2 Lions hold just a 1.5-game lead over the Vikings in the NFC North. A win for the Vikings and some help along the way could help them rise up the standings once again.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When heโ€™s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.