Looking for the full six here but 5.5 will suffice, which I think is at least 2.5 points of value with the Saints. This may be a road game in Minnesota for New Orleans, but it's indoors, which mitigates the Vikings' advantage as the Saints are generally fast and successful on turf. There's a great chance New Orleans wins this outright, but I definitely want the points as there's no reason to discount a talented Minnesota team that deserves to be in this position. The Vikings' defense is real and Case Keenum has done a great job this season. In the end, I think Minnesota's lacking running game will do it in against a New Orleans offense that should be ready and raring to go.

The holidays must not be over because we Under acolytes on this game have received a gift. The total has risen by two points to a mid-range number even though the teams ranked first (Minnesota) and 10th in points allowed this season. Six of New Orleans’ eight road games fell short of 47; one exception was the opener here in Vikings land, where the teams combined for 48, after which N'Awlins upgraded their defense. The Under has prevailed in all except one of the Vikes’ last six home dates. The Saints lost a key starter on offense, G Andrus Peat (leg), last week. It would be nice to have an old-fashioned outdoors Minnesota setting in freezing temperatures. Then again, the total would be several points lower, so let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth.

Minnesota has the No. 1-ranked defense and also the best home-field advantage of remaining playoff teams. They've gone 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 home games, including 6-2 this season. The Vikings get the win and cover.

Yes it's Case Keenum's first playoff game, and the Saints weren't using Alvin Kamara much the last time these teams met. But I'll ride the Vikings' defense, which is dominant at home.

The Saints have certainly looked like a championship-caliber team for a large portion of the season, and Drew Brees can keep them in any game against any opponent. But this team has dropped three in a row on the road (against the Rams, Falcons and Bucs, so don't blame December climate), and the New Orleans defense has been a little shaky in the second half. Good luck going into Minnesota and having success against a Vikings defense that's given up 100 points total at home this season. The Vikings just went to the playoffs in 2015 too, so this isn't a comparable situation to the Rams. Give me a rested Minnesota team at home.

This game will come down to whether Saints coach Sean Payton remembers the formula for Saints success: running the football. In the first matchup, the game was close until the Saints got pass-happy and had turnovers and quick three-and-outs. Look for the Saints' defense to get off the field on third downs this time around.