Saints vs. Vikings 2018: Prediction, Betting Odds, Over/Under For NFL Week 8 Game

Two NFC teams with a strong shot at winning their respective divisions meet Sunday night, when the Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1) host the New Orleans Saints (5-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

While the Saints have a one-game advantage on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South, the Vikings are in a four-team race in the NFC North.

The Saints will be looking to get a positive result in Minneapolis after beginning their 2017 season with a 29-19 loss to the Vikings and then losing again at U.S. Bank Stadium in the NFC divisional round game, 24-23, on a 61-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs on the last play of the game.

The Vikings have won three consecutive games but are dealing with plenty of injuries, particularly on the offensive line and on defense.

Nose tackle Linval Joseph is considered questionable with ankle and knee injuries. Left tackle Riley Reiff didn’t practice Friday because of a foot injury and is listed as doubtful.

Linebacker Anthony Barr will have his 44 consecutive-games streak snapped due to a hamstring injury. Also out are offensive tackle Tom Compton, running back Dalvin Cook and safety Andrew Sendejo.

The good news is that cornerback Xavier Rhodes is expected to play though he had been listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Defensive end Everson Griffen has rejoined the team after an extended absence.

The Saints are mostly healthy, though guard Josh LeRibeus was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and defensive end Mitchell Loewen is out with a neck injury.

The Saints average 34 points per game and could receive a big boost once Mark Ingram gets fully back into the rotation. Ingram had 16 carries and two touchdowns in Week 5 after sitting out the first four weeks of the season due to a suspension. After a bye week, Ingram had 12 carries in the Saints' road win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.

But the key matchup might be the Minnesota running game against the New Orleans rush defense. The Saints have the league's best rush defense, allowing just 72.3 yards per game, while the Vikings have had consecutive strong outings from Latavius Murray. With Cook sidelined, Murray has picked up the slack, rushing for a total of three touchdowns and 224 yards in games against the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

The Saints are favored by 2.5 points, with the over/under at 54 points.

Prediction: New Orleans is hungry to earn a win at U.S. Bank Stadium. They are also healthier and have a more cohesive offense and defense. Expect a big win from the Saints on the road.

Saints over Vikings, 34-17