How do you see this one playing out? The New Orleans Saints (1-3) are desperate for a win after getting embarrassed on Monday Night Football, but they face tough sledding against the Minnesota Vikings (4-0). It’s been a short week for the black and gold to recover and get up for this game, but sometimes the only way out is through. Confidence in head coach Kellen Moore is at an all-time low. He’s got to get back in the win column, or this thing will just spiral further out of his control.
Here are our staff picks for Week 5, with final scores and bold predictions:
Vikings 16, Saints 10
Between a discombobulated Vikings offense and a blitz-heavy Minnesota defense, this might be the lowest-scoring game of the year for New Orleans. The Saints have been shockingly hesitant to leave extra blockers in pass protection, leading to Tyler Shough taking the most hits and third-most sacks in the NFL this season. That’s a bad matchup with a Vikings defense that always tries to win the numbers game. Offensively, Minnesota has only averaged 16 points per game since a dominant showing against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, so this could be a chance for Brandon Staley’s battered defense to regain its footing. The question is whether New Orleans can protect Shough. They failed that mission in each of the last two games.
Bold prediction: Chase Young gets two sacks on the afternoon against a Vikings offensive line down several key pieces. — John Sigler
Saints 24, Vikings 21
It goes against all logic with the way the Saints have played at home recently and coming off their Monday night abomination. I’m still sticking with my preseason prediction of a win in this spot over a Vikings squad not nearly as impressive as their record. New Orleans rebounds defensively just enough to force a few key turnovers and puts together their best outing of a so far unimpressive year. It’ll be ugly on offense for the Saints in portions against a formidable Viking defense, but New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough again shows the traits of a franchise quarterback.
Bold prediction: New Orleans gets a critical defensive stop late in the fourth quarter. Tyler Shough responds with an impressive game-winning touchdown drive to pull the win out in the final moments with a scoring pass to Chris Olave for the win. — Bob Rose
Vikings 20, Saints 14
Starting the year 1-4 is brutal, but this offensive line has not shown enough to give confidence that they will be able to slow down the Vikings’ prolific pass rush. I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns into a field goal fest. The Saints defense has to respond and while Minnesota hasn’t had the best offense, they have weapons on that offense that will take advantage of the soft approach New Orleans has had on that side of the ball. The Saints have the talent to win the game, it just comes down to preparation and execution. Neither of those have been good enough so far.
Bold prediction: Jonas Sanker gets his first turnover of the season. — Dylan Sanders
Vikings 21, Saints 17
The Saints keep Minnesota’s limited offense within reach, but the Vikings’ defense ultimately makes the difference. Tyler Shough connects with Olave for several explosive plays before Minnesota forces a late turnover with New Orleans driving to tie the game.
Bold prediction: Chris Olave finishes with more receiving yards than Minnesota records as a team through the air. — Arye Pulli
Saints 20, Vikings 10
With the Saints back at home, I expect them to respond. Brandon Staley’s defense should be better prepared to contain a Vikings offense that has struggled to put points on the board, while Tyler Shough and the offense will look to exploit a vulnerable Minnesota secondary. With Chris Olave and company leading the way in the passing game, the Saints have the weapons to make plays downfield and get back on track.
Bold prediction: Barion Brown scores his first NFL touchdown on offense — Luke Loffredo
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Week 5 staff picks: Final score, bold predictions for Saints-Vikings