Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9
The skinny: This is a rematch of last season’s NFC championship game, otherwise known as the game that almost sent Vikings QB Brett Favre into the sunset of retirement — again. The Saints pounded away at Favre last January and eventually forced an interception late that sent New Orleans to the Super Bowl. Favre is back in the Vikings’ lineup as Minnesota tries to be two wins better than it was last season. He missed most of training camp, threw two interceptions in just 27 attempts in the preseason and has tried to dampen expectations over his return. This game will be a good indicator to see if his desire, and his surgically repaired ankle, are up to the challenge.
The difference will be: The Saints will score points. Sean Payton has proved what he can do as a play-caller with Drew Brees at quarterback. For New Orleans to be in the Super Bowl mix again, its defense will have to be up to the task. The group relied on turnovers last season, and history says it is unlikely any defense could have that same kind of good fortune two years in a row.
The call: Saints 31-28
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
