With the NFL offseason over, it's time for the regular season and the return of Monday Night Football. Week 1 kicks off with a doubleheader between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings. The game features the return of former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to the field as part of his new team. Here's the latest game preview including matchup odds, start time, TV channel, and how to watch the Saints vs. Vikings live streaming online.

NFL game preview

Neither the Minnesota Vikings nor the New Orleans Saints qualified for the NFL Playoffs last season.

Minnesota went 8-8 in a decent season while the New Orleans Saints finished at 7-9. Both teams are looking to get things off to a 1-0 start and try to have a more successful campaign in the 2017 season. They will each debut new running backs in tonight's game.

On one side, Adrian Peterson is making his New Orleans Saints debut against his former team. The longtime Vikings running back will try to help Drew Brees and the Saints offense overcome the purple and gold in this Week 1 MNF opener. On the other side, Minnesota brings forth their rookie running back Dalvin Cook out of Florida State. Sam Bradford will continue to lead the offense as he did last season.

Drew Brees led the NFL in total passing yards last season with 5,208 and will look to continue to bring forth his impressive skills this season.

Bradford ranked 16th in the league in that category and only threw 20 touchdowns compared to 37 for Brees. Bradford also was only picked off five times during the last season.

Minnesota was the league's third-best overall defense in terms of total yards allowed and yards per game, while New Orleans ranked first in total yards and yards per game for the offense.

That will make for a dynamic contrast of styles in tonight's game, but one has to think Minnesota has an edge in front of their home fans.

Odds makers at various sports books have the game's point spread at three points in favor of the Vikings. Minnesota is -150 or higher on the moneyline, while the Saints are +130 to +145 underdogs.

For the over/under, bettors are looking at 48 total points for tonight's game.

How to watch it live

Tonight's New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings game is scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. ET start. Live television coverage is available on the ESPN channel around the nation. Cable and satellite subscribers can also watch the game live streaming via the WatchESPN website or mobile apps.

For a free way to see a Saints vs. Vikings live stream, viewers should consider signing up for SlingTV. The channel streaming service offers a one-week free trial of their service. ESPN and ESPN2 are included on the basic channel lineup called Sling Orange. See more details via Sling.com website.
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