Niner Noise
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NFL playoffs: Niner Noise predictions for the Divisional Round

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings bats the ball away from Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints in the second half of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings bats the ball away from Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints in the second half of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, Jan. 14 at 4:40 p.m. ET

The final contest of the NFL playoffs this weekend features, perhaps, two of the most surprising defensive teams in the league this season.

Well, maybe they’re not surprises. Not anymore.

The New Orleans Saints might be a complete team, and it’s refreshing to see them win games without having to solely rely on future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. And that’s not a bad thing when they do. Just ask the Panthers.

Carolina did a good job shutting down running backs Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram and the Saints ground game during the Wild Card round. But the Saints still boasted the league’s second-best passing attack, averaging an average of 7.5 yards per attempt.

Trouble for the Minnesota Vikings?

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Well, not exactly. As 3.5-point favorites, per Sportsbook Review, the Vikings have arguably the most complete defense at all three levels. This group gets after the passer, shuts down the run and locks down opponents’ receiving targets.

Like the Jaguars, the Vikings have an X-factor at quarterback. But Case Keenum has been far more reliable than Jags QB Blake Bortles, rather the only question mark is how Keenum fares in his first NFL playoffs.

Keenum has proven doubters wrong all season, though, and why suspect any changes this weekend?

Minnesota’s run to play at home in Super Bowl LII continues.

Next: Ranking the 49ers' top 10 playoff moments in franchise history

Prediction: Vikings 21, Saints 17