New Orleans Saints: Complete roster breakdown vs. Minnesota Vikings

The defense:

Defensive line: Advantage, Minnesota Vikings

When fully healthy, the two defensive lines are very similar in talent and this would be a hard case to make. However, the Saints are without both Sheldon Rankins and Marcus Davenport, which is a huge hit to the defensive line.

Meanwhile, the Vikings defensive line is locked and loaded and is one that is capable of getting pressure to Drew Brees constantly. Luckily for Brees, his offensive line is one of the best in the league.

Linebackers: Advantage, New Orleans Saints

A fully healthy Saints linebacker core is dangerous and while Alex Anzalone has been on the IR, the Saints have shown that this season. The linebacker core appears to be fully healthy entering this game, which is going to be a crucial difference-maker in stopping Cook from carrying Minnesota’s offense.

Cornerbacks: Advantage, Minnesota Vikings

It appears as if Eli Apple might not play in this game, which is a huge hit to the New Orleans Saints. Marshon Lattimore is a solid corner but he is so hit and miss that it is hard to tell which Lattimore we will get.

On one hand, Lattimore can lock down elite receivers. On the other, he can completely struggle and look no better than an average corner. Even with Janoris Jenkins, the Saints’ cornerbacks are not better than the Vikings.

Safeties: Advantage, Minnesota Vikings

The secondary is where the biggest difference between these two defenses lie and the Vikings do have an advantage at the safety position as well, even with Marcus Williams having the solid year that he is having.

Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris have more combined interceptions, pass deflections and the same number of forced fumbles as the Saints. Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams have six more total tackles.

Williams might have had the most impressive 2019 season but the tandem of Smith and Harris is more impressive than the tandem of Williams and Bell.