Saints vs. Vikings line, prediction: It’s all set up for New Orleans

It’s been a strange season for the Minnesota Vikings. They started out 1-5, reversed that and made it to 6-6, and then just when the playoffs were coming into range, they lost back-to-back games at Tampa Bay and at home to the Chicago Bears.

Now the Norsemen head south to New Orleans on a short week and will put a decimated defense on the field against Drew Brees and the Saints on Christmas Day. No fewer than six starters on that side of the ball are dealing with reportable injuries. The Saints have some injuries on their offense, as WR Michael Thomas is on IR and guards Andrus Peat and Nick Easton could be missing. But there’s still plenty of firepower and ingenuity on the Saints side, particularly with the NFC South title there to be clinched. And they have a revenge motive vs. the Vikings for a loss in last year’s playoffs (not to mention the Minnesota Miracle in Jan. 2018.)

The pick: Saints, -7.

Best bets: Dolphins, Steelers, Falcons.

Lock of the week: Dolphins (Locks 4-10-1 in 2020).

Last week: 8-6-2 overall, 0-3 Best Bets.