Yep, the forecast for this week’s edition of Monday Night Football is stormy.

And with Saints quarterback Drew Brees probably used to the strong breeze from their own home field, he’s hoping he’ll still be able to take advantage of the elements, beat Minnesota and give New Orleans its third win of the 2008-09 NFL football season.

After all, the New Orleans Saints are in the middle of what has been a surprising surge in the NFC South. The Panthers currently lead the division at 4-1, while Tampa Bay and Atlanta are tied at 3-2. If the Saints come up with a win on Monday night, they’ll be the third team to breathe down the Panthers’ necks after five weeks of football.

The Minnesota Vikings know how big Drew Brees has been for the Saints this season. Brees leads the NFL in several passing categories, he is the reigning NFC offensive player of the month and has done a great job in leading his team’s passing game that is virtually better than any in the league right now.

The Vikings know that Brees will be attacking that defense through the air on Monday Night Football.

‘’It’s a big challenge,'’ Minnesota Vikings safety Darren Sharper said. ‘’Very explosive offense and the guy pulling the trigger is a vertical-type thrower. The speedy receivers are deep threats, as big as we’ve seen this year. It’s definitely a big challenge for us. But in saying that, we relish the opportunity because it should be more opportunities than we’ve seen thus far this year.'’

While the Saints are hovering above .500, the Vikings have fallen second to last in the NFC North this year. And for a team that was dubbed as the best defense in football last season, not being able to lord over what is usually a weak division in the NFC North is just disappointing.

To say that Minnesota BADLY needs to win this game on Monday night could very well be an understatement. For what it’s worth, the Vikings should be happy to know that they are actually 19-7 all-time against the Saints and 7-5 in New Orleans. However, you can’t really rely on the past to win games, that’s why the big boys play them.

Can the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

New Orleans Saints -3.5 (2.00)

Minnesota Vikings +3.5 (1.83)

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

Minnesota Vikings New Orleans Saints