Overlooked by Lamar Jackson and being out with a hand injury, Drew Brees hasn't been given full credit for how well he's played this season. Brees has been on top of his game since returning in Week 9 completing nearly 75 percent of his throws while putting up a 25-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Brees has a full complement of weapons headed by a now fully healthy Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, who set the NFL's single season record for receptions this year. The Vikings' defense is down from past seasons due to poor play from their secondary. Thomas and tight end Jared Cook are set for big games especially with mobile linebacker Eric Kendricks dealing with a quad injury. 
The Vikings are going to do their part, too, in making this a shootout. Minnesota is much more dangerous with Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen back in the lineup and healthy. The Saints' defense took a hit with defensive linemen Sheldon Rankins and Marcus Davenport out. The 49ers put up 48 points on the Saints four games ago. Cook is better than any 49ers running back and San Francisco can't come close to matching the Vikings' wide receiver tandem of Stefon Diggs and Thielen. 
Kirk Cousins had a very strong season despite his poor performance in Week 16 against the Packers. That game stands out because it was on Monday night. But Cousins had a career-high 107.4 passer rating with 26 TD passes despite sitting out last week. Cousins also has a better history when playing indoors with a passer rating 14 points higher.