Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints 2010 NFC Championship Picks: The Minnesota Vikings, the number two seed in the NFC Playoffs, are in the Bayou today to take on the conference's top dog, the New Orleans Saints. The two powerhouse teams are set to kick things off at 6:40pm ET at the Superdome; the game will be broadcast live on FOX. 2010 NFC Championship Picks at online sportsbook Bodog.com have the Saints listed as a -4 against the spread home favorite.
Vikings Breakdown: Minnesota did not arrive at this game by accident and it demonstrated as much last week by hiding the 
Cowboys star where the sun dares not shine. The Vikings dropped 34 points on the Pokes, despite posting just 16 first downs and a modest 323 yards. However, there were big plays aplenty as Brett Favre connected with wide receiver Sidney Rice on touchdown strikes of 47, 45, and 16 yards.
If the Vikings did that to the Cowboys' defense, which ranked second in the league in points per game allowed at 15.6, then they should be able to move the ball effectively against New Orleans middling unit. Minnesota has not produced as well on the road, though, especially of late. Brad Childress' squad is just 1-4 in its last five road games where it has averaged 21.8 per contest (7.8 points below its season average and 4.2 points below its eight game road average).
The Vikings dominating wins over New York and Dallas probably restored the team's early season swagger, which they will need to beat the Saints in the Superdome.
Saints Breakdown: New Orleans, like Minnesota, stumbled down the stretch, losing their final three regular season games. The Saints, however, displayed no signs of a hangover last weekend as they embarrassed the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 at the Superdome. The Drew Brees led offense racked up 418 yards and 27 first downs against the Cards struggling defense while holding the ball for almost 37 minutes.
While the Saints have every right to expect offensive success, they can probably bank on coming by it with a greater degree of difficulty today than they did last Saturday. The Vikings will not serve as the same kind of doormat that the Cardinals did. However, New Orleans biggest problem today will be slowing down Minnesota's offense.
The Saints defense was fantastic against Arizona as they pressured Warner and created some turnovers, but the Cardinals proved throughout the season that they were susceptible to coughing up the ball. Minnesota, at +6 in turnover margin, has shown better ball security, particularly Favre (just seven picks this year), who has thrown more interceptions than any quarterback in the history of the league. If New Orleans does not force any Viking turnovers, look for this game to be a high scoring shootout.
2010 NFC Championship Betting Trend: The Saints are 3-1 against the spread and 4-0 straight up over the last five years playing as a -3.5 to -6.5 favorite coming off a win. The Saints are 7-0 straight up (over 6-1) over the last five years playing as a favorite coming off a home win (3-4 against the spread). The Vikings are 1-3 against the spread and 1-3 straight up over the last five years playing as a road underdog coming off of a win.
Bodog.com Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints 2010 NFC Championship Picks:
Minnesota Vikings +4 (-105), Over 54 (-110), +160 (Moneyline)
New Orleans Saints -4 (-115), Under 54 (-110), -180 (Monyeline)
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