Opponent – Minnesota Vikings
Coach – Mike Zimmer
Quarterback – Kirk Cousins
2017 record – 13-3, first in NFC North
Most recent matchup: Sunday, Jan.14, 2018 – Divisional Playoffs – Vikings won 29-24
2018 game: Sunday, Oct. 28 @ U.S. Bank Stadium, 7:20 p.m.
Vikings-Saints series record: Vikings lead 22-11
Stadium – U.S. Bank Stadium
2017 season recap:
The Minnesota Vikings started the season 2-2 (including a season-opening win over the Saints) before losing their starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, to a knee injury during Week 5. Backup quarterback Case Keenum took over and led the Vikings to a 13-3 record, their best regular season since 1998. It appeared that Minnesota's season was going to end against the New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoff round. However, receiver Stefon Diggs caught a miraculous touchdown pass from Keenum in the final seconds to send the Vikings to the NFC championship game. The Vikings lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in that game 38-7.
Notable additions:
- Offensive tackle – Brian O'Neill – selected with the 62nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
- Defensive tackle – Sheldon Richardson
- Quarterback – Kirk Cousins
Notable Losses:
- Right guard - Joe Berger
- Defensive tackle – Tom Johnson
