Vikings upset Saints in overtime, head to San Francisco

The Vikings defensive line was monstrous against the Saints usually stout offensive line, as they harassed Drew Brees all game while Dalvin Cook was able to keep their offense moving forward, scoring two touchdowns on their way to a 26-20 upset win in overtime in the Big Easy.

If the Saints would have pulled this game out, all we would be talking about is their gadget, do it all offensive Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill. Hill seemingly took over the game every time he touched the ball. His first big play came at quarterback, as he launched a 50-yard pass to Deonte Harris in the second quarter, which set Alvin Kamara up for a 4-yard touchdown run. He then caught a 20 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees in the fourth quarter to bring the Saints within three points. Between the scoring plays, he was also great as a rusher, carrying the ball four times for 50 yards. But in the end, it was Kirk Cousins who made the game winning throws in over time.

Cousins has justifiably been called out for being unable to win the big game, but in overtime, from the Saints 45 yard line, he launched a perfect pass to Adam Thielen who tracked it right into his arms down to the three-yard line. Cousins then finished the game off with a four-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph.

The Vikings played the perfect game, as they doubled Michael Thomas, keeping his receptions short while getting to Drew Brees for three sacks and a lot more hurries, while also causing him to fumble late in the game when the Saints were driving. The Saints came into this game on an offensive tear, which makes this loss seem even more improbable, but there is no doubt this was a deserved win for the 8-point underdogs.

The Vikings will now head to San Francisco to take on the 49ers, and will need their defensive line to show similar pressure against the 49ers strong offensive line. And Cook will again need to be a big factor.