Cowboys Picks [B]Saints vs Vikings [/B]
The Saints offense is tremendous. But their offense was the beneficiary of 39 takeaways last year. At one point late in the year their offense was averaging 11 points a game off turnovers. Contrary to what defensive coordinator Greg Williams would have you believe, I don’t think he found that magical secret to collecting turnovers. Some years you recover the fumble. Other years you don’t. The Saints 24th ranking in defensive yards per play last year is their concern. They won’t collect all those turnovers this year and that will put more stress on that defensive unit and less short fields for the offense.
Last year the Vikings started out the year with a bunch of wins. But it took Favre a while to get going. He only averaged around 5.5 yards per attempt against the Browns and the Lions. Favre is a year older and is without a receiver. He’s also going into a very hostile environment. This isn’t the Browns and the Lions. If he throws for 5.5 YPA in this one, Minnesota will get blown out. Last year’s opening schedule was perfect for Favre. It allowed him time to get into shape. The schedule makers did him no favors here. Brees is in the prime of his career.
Pick Saints -5
