The NFL regular season kicks off this Thursday night when the New Orleans Saints begin their championship defense at home against the Minnesota Vikings. The game is a rematch of last year’s NFC title game, which the Saints won in overtime. The Saints looked good in the preseason. Drew Brees is an elite quarterback, and Reggie Bush might be ready to have his break-out season this year. For the Vikings, Brett Favre is back for his final season yet again. Sage Rosenfels was traded to the New York Giants, which means Tavaris Jackson is the established backup should Favre fall to injury. After the way the Saints went after Favre last year, that scenario is certainly a possibility. The absence of Sidney Rice is a big loss for Minnesota. The public likes the Saints at nearly 4:1. As you can see on our NFL betting lines page – or the table below – the line opened with New Orleans favored by 4 ½ points. Most books have stayed there, though a couple have moved up to 5 points.

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