First Look: The Next Round

New Orleans (11-6) at Minnesota (11-5); 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Channel 11

* When New Orleans has the ball: Who are these guys? The Saints beat the Rams Saturday with players who should be either retired or in the XFL. Quarterback Aaron Brooks’ success is dependent on the play-action pass. Look for the Saints will to establish running back Terry Allen as a threat off-tackle, thereby drawing in Viking All-Pro safety Robert Griffith. Brooks will then use misdirection against a Minnesota defense that often overpursues, plays a soft zone and does not tackle well. Allen, Jake Reed and Andrew Glover are all ex-Vikings who would love to prove Dennis Green was wrong to let them go.

* When Minnesota has the ball: The Vikings figure to stretch the Saint defense early. One or two Daunte Culpepper touchdown bombs to Randy Moss in the first quarter could demoralize New Orleans. The Saints will likely counter with a nickel or dime package in the secondary which will open up holes for running back Robert Smith. A strong running game is the key to a Minnesota victory, as it opens passing lanes, chews time off the clock and keeps the Vikings’ undermanned defense on the sideline.

* X-factor: Cris Carter and Moss. When Moss isn’t involved in the offense early he sulks and brings the whole team down with him. It will be up to Carter to play coach on the field and keep Moss focused.

* The edge to: Minnesota. In beating the Rams, the Saints did something the Vikings were unable to do. However, expecting Brooks to lead New Orleans to victory in the hostile confines of the Metrodome is a little too much to ask.