This Sunday marks the highly-anticipated NFC Championship between the two teams with the best records in the NFC: the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are coming off impressive victories last week, with the Saints man-handling the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 and the Vikings dominating the Dallas Cowboys 34-3.

For the Saints, last week’s victory over the Cardinals was impressive because of the defense’s ability to shut down the Cardinals’ potent offense and a break-out performance from Reggie Bush. The Saints have more than a fair chance to win this game and make the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. Without question, this game will be a tough contest. The keys to victory lie in the following matchups.
1. Jared Allen vs. Jermon Bushrod
In week 15’s game against the Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Ware wreaked havoc against Jermon Bushrod, the third year pro who is in his first year of starting full-time. Ware picked up two sacks and caused quarterback Drew Brees’ game-ending fumble on the Saints’ final possession. First-Team All-Pro Jared Allen will pose as much of, if not more of a challenge for Bushrod. Brees is adept at using his feet to make plays and has a quick delivery, but he would not be as effective as he needs to be if he’s constantly harassed. Look for the Saints to run Reggie Bush to the outside towards Allen to slow him down. In obvious passing situations, expect the Saints to line tight-end Jeremy Shockey up across from Allen to chip-block, in addition to throwing the occasional tight-end or running back screen in Allen’s direction.
2. Brett Favre and Sidney Rice vs. Saints’ Secondary
Brett Favre has made many defensive backs lose sleep and look for others jobs after facing him. Such will not be the case with Darren Sharper. This game is personal for Sharper, mainly because the Vikings let him go in the off-season. Sharper tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine, and returned a league-leading three for interceptions. With Percy Harvin expected to miss the game with a migraine, Favre will focus on Rice, who torched the Cowboys’ secondary last week for three touchdowns. There is little doubt New Orleans’ defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been watching from last week to invent ways to neutralize Rice. Expect Sharper to provide help over the top, but Greer has to deliver a stellar performance if the Saints hope to win this battle. Greer is overmatched with Rice, so Sharper’s play will be crucial to containing Rice.
3. Saints’ Offensive Line vs. Vikings Defensive Line
With the exception of the Cowboys game, the Saints’ offensive line has done a good job protecting Brees and establishing the run. However, the Vikings’ defensive line is more talented than any the Saints have faced this year, particularly with Jared Allen (discussed earlier) and First-Team All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams. To win this battle, the Saints’ front-five must neutralize the Vikings’ front-four. If the Saints win this matchup, Brees would have time to pick apart a Vikings’ secondary that may not have Second-Team All-Pro Antoine Winfield, who has been slowed by a foot injury. The Saints need to keep Brett Favre and the offense off the field, so the offensive line needs to open holes for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. If Thomas and Bush can consistently get to the Vikings’ linebackers, a vulnerability in the defense, the Saints will have the ball control necessary to contain the Vikings’ explosiveness.
4. Jonathan Vilma vs. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson has been relatively quiet over the last several games. Peterson’s last game rushing over 100 yards came against the lowly Detroit Lions in week 10, which means he is due for a break-out game. The Saints are vulnerable on the defensive line, as Beanie Wells showed on his first run from scrimmage last week. To contain Peterson, Vilma will have to be stout against the run. Vilma has great speed, but Peterson is in a class all by himself. If Vilma can contain Peterson, this will force the Vikings to rely on Favre and the passing game, where Sharper can assist with Rice, and Vilma can help cover Visanthe Shiancoe. However, if Peterson gets loose early, it will be a long day in New Orleans.

X Factors:
Reggie Bush
Last week Bush showed why the Saints made him the number 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft. The biggest knock against Bush to date has been his maddening inconsistency. Bush has yet to string together two consecutive, impressive performances. There is no way to predict which Bush will show up, but it should be obvious by the second quarter. A reappearance of the Bush of last week will guarantee a Saints victory, but the “other” Bush puts victory more in question.

Brett Favre
There’s little doubt Favre’s performance this year has justified his comeback. Favre has only thrown multiple interceptions in one game this season. Favre still has the 2007 NFC Championship loss to the Giants in his mind, particularly his interception in overtime that cost the Packers the game. Favre is surrounded by arguably his best supporting cast during his NFL tenure, and this week he faces a weaker pass rush than the Cowboys’. If the Favre of this year shows up and protects the ball, the Vikings have the edge. However, if Favre turns the ball over early, the Saints will capitalize.

This game will most likely be a shoot-out, and come down to the last drive. The Saint’s offense has found its rhythm, and the defensive is showing signs of life with last week’s dominance of the high-powered Cardinals. I see the Saints marching to Miami, 31-28 over the Vikings.