The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in the playoff race once more after missing out last year. They will be eager to perform a lot better than their 2017 run and maybe reach their first Super Bowl since 1976.
Given the stakes, it's not weird to expect the Vikings to try and topple their wild card opponents, the New Orleans Saints. It's definitely going to be hard for these Vikings to try and get a win over the NFC South champions. It may be tough, but they should be able to take this victory if they want to make a great run to the finals.
The prospect of winning against a team like the Saints will bring up three questions that need to be answered. How the Vikings will be able to respond to these challenges will determine whether they will advance to the next round or make a heartbreaking exit during the first week of the year.
Will the defense be able to stop Drew Brees?
The biggest question mark surrounding the Vikings have something to do with their passing defense. Analysts and fans are wondering if these Vikings will be able to contain the seventh-best passing offense throughout the NFL in the Saints.
When it comes to their regular-season performances, there's little to no doubt that the Saints are considered as one of the best offenses in the NFL. Drew Brees is an exceptional quarterback and should be able to keep the defense on their toes. Moreover, the team has strong playmakers in Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.
The Saints will be a tough nut to crack, and the Vikings are pedestrian at best on defense. It will take a lot of focus and planning for the defense if they want to limit the Saints' full potential.
Will Kirk Cousins show up on the big stage?
This is Kirk Cousins' first playoff game since 2015, and it will be unfamiliar territory for the seasoned pass-caller. He's only played two playoff games so far, both of those for the Washington Redskins. He played decently in the only game he started, but they still were kicked out in the wild card.
Cousins will try to break his rut and progress to the next round of the playoffs. He's had a wildly inconsistent season, but he's shown everyone that he's a quality quarterback worth trusting.
Will his inexperience in playoff football become his undoing? Or will he get his act together and put on a show in front of the whole world?
Will the Vikings manage to keep playoff pressures away?
This will be the biggest question looming on their heads. They aren't particular favorites to win the Super Bowl, so it's almost expected that they'll make an early exit.
Defying those expectations will have to be the team's top priority. They have solid players who can contribute and a good coaching staff who can lead them to wins.
All they need to do is play good football and not let the stage get the better of them.
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