October 7th, 2001<P>Minnesota (1-2)<BR>New Orleans (2-1) -3.5<BR> <BR> The Saints are playing their home opener here as they host the <BR>team that eliminated them from last year's playoffs, Minnesota. The <BR>Vikings offense proved to be too powerful as the rolled the Saints <BR>34-16, the week after the Saints had won their first ever playoff game.<P> The Vikings, on the verge of an 0-3 start since 1967, capped <BR>a 97 yard drive with a touchdown with just over 1 minute remaining. <BR>That score proved to be the game winner in the Vikings 20-16 win over <BR>the Bucaneers.<P> The Vikings, in that victory, were finally able to get the ball to <BR>WR Randy Moss. Moss will be huge in this game due to his 6'4" frame. <BR>He used that to his advantage last year in posting huge numbers against <BR>the Saints in that playoff matchup. Minnesota will need to continue <BR>to improve the running game after the retirement of Robert Smith. <BR>Michael Bennett has been getting work, and needs to continue his weekly <BR>improvement.<P> New Orleans, who played their first three on the road, were <BR>beaten 21-13 at the Giants last week. The Saints played a very sloppy <BR>game as the committed 14 penalties for more than 100 yards.<P> I feel the Saints are playing the Vikings at the wrong time. <BR>With the Vikings making the plays at the end of last week, I forsee <BR>that play continuing into this contest. In reality, the chances of the<BR>Vikings improving to 2-2 are better than the Saints improving to 3-1. <BR>Key to me for this play is the 3.5 points the Vikings are receiving. <BR>I believe they will win this game, but they certainly will be there at <BR>the end.<P>King T Sports selection: Minnesota +3.5<P>GOOD LUCK!!!<P>King T<P>
