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Vikings vs. Saints: NFC Championship Preview

Who knew that Brett Favre had anything left when he left the Jets stranded after a disappointing finish to the 2008 season?

Well as it turns out Favre and his torn right shoulder healed pretty quick as the 40 year old quarterback led the Vikings all the way to the NFC title game. Favre had one of his best seasons throwing for 4,202 yards 33 touchdowns and a career low, seven interceptions. So much for having nothing left when he was with Gang Green.

Throughout the year, Favre has developed a terrific on-field relationship with receiver Sidney Rice, with Rice becoming Minnesota's number one deep threat. Rice had a career year with 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Vikings pass offense has been so impressive this year, that dynamic running back Adrian Peterson had a down year for him, rushing for 1,383 yards with 18 touchdown! And this was a down year for Peterson who averaged only 4.4 yards a carry on the ground.

Expect Minnesota to put up some numbers on the Saints ragged 25th ranked defense. The Saints give up 357 yards per game and have only 37 sacks this season. However, a week ago the Saints found a way to beat up Kurt Warner, holding him to 205 yards passing and knocking him out of the game with a concussion.

If the Saints are to win this game, they will have to put a lot of pressure on Favre, and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Favre is a guy who is prone to making big mistakes when in desperation and under pressure. Dreadful losses to the Steelers, Cardinals and Panthers this year should serve as a blueprint for New Orleans on how to beat Favre and the Vikings.

As for the Saints offense, they were once again one of the best units in football.

Drew Brees threw for 4,388 yards, 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. Brees, calm and cool composure as the leader of the Saints is the main reason they are here. He does a great job of spreading the ball to receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, and Jeremy Shockey, with all four hauling in more than 45 catches this year.

However, the key in this game will be how the Saints handle the pressure of the Vikings defense. The Vikings led the NFL in quarterback sacks with 48, and give up only 211 yards a game through the air. The combo of Jarred Allen and Ray Edwards resulted in 23 sacks, giving Minnesota two terrific pass rushers coming off the edge.

The Saints didn't fair well when faced with a legit pass rush when they played the Cowboys back in week 15. Brees was sacked four times, harassed all night long, and threw an interception. If the Vikings should harass Brees throughout the evening, the Vikings will head to the Super Bowl. If not, this game will be a shoot out.

Expect a high scoring affair. If Favre and Vikings can quiet down the Superdome this game will be theirs, if not, the Saints will roll. PREDICTION: SAINTS 31, VIKINGS 27.

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