The 1-3 New Orleans Saints return to Caesars Superdome on Sunday looking to get back in the win column against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. However, the action on the field won’t be the only storyline, as Saints legend Drew Brees will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during a special halftime ceremony.
Coming off a disappointing 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football, New Orleans faces a quick turnaround against one of the NFL’s hottest teams.
The Vikings enter Sunday’s matchup
led by a defense that has allowed just 12.8 points per game, the fewest in the league. Minnesota has also been effective at forcing turnovers, boasting a plus-five turnover differential.
For the Saints, Tyler Shough has been one of the bright spots this season, throwing for 1,203 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions through four games. However, Shough is dealing with some soreness in his non-throwing hand following Monday’s loss, but Kellen Moore said it’s not expected to be an issue.
Defensively, the Saints must find a way to limit the Vikings offensive opportunities while improving against the run. New Orleans is allowing 147.8 rushing yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the league.
While the Saints hope to turn their season around, Sunday’s matchup will also provide an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Brees, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year, will become the ninth member of the Saints Ring of Honor. During his 15 seasons in New Orleans, Brees transformed the franchise, leading the Saints to their first Super Bowl championship during the 2009 season.
However, Brees won’t just be attending Sunday’s game. He will also be calling the action for FOX alongside play-by-play announcer Adam Amin and sideline reporter Kristina Pink.
His return adds another layer of significance to a matchup already carrying plenty of importance for New Orleans. When Brees returns to receive one of the franchise’s highest honors, the Saints will once again have additional motivation to deliver a memorable performance in front of their home crowd.
As Drew Brees famously said during his team chant for the Saints dream season in 2009:
When I say 1, you say 2. When I say win, you say for you… 1! 2! Win! For you!
When I say 3, you say 4. When I say win, you say some more… 3! 4! Win! Some more!
When I say 5, you say 6. When I say win, you say for kicks… 5! 6! Win! For kicks!
When I say 7, you say 8. When I say win, you say it’s great… 7! 8! Win! It’s great!
When I say 9, you say 10. When I say win, you say again… 9! 10! Win! Again!
Win Again! Win Again! Win Again! Win Again!
Prediction: Saints 34 – Vikings 31
So I’m being optimistic on this one because I know on paper that this Saints team is better than their 1-3 record. But a bad mix of some penalties, injuries and poor play calling is a recipe for disaster, however, it’s one that is somewhat fixable.
So, let’s hope some of Drew’s magic can rub off in the golden dome and get the Saints back in the win column. Because like he used to say, it’s time to… Win Again, Win Again, Win Again!
Check out all the odds for the Saints and the rest of the league on FanDuel at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl
