FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
WHAT’S DIGGS DOING FOR AN
ENCORE? The Vikings hero contributed more than just the first fourth quarter walk-off in NFL playoff history — he finished last Sunday’s win over the Saints with six catches for 137 yards. Depending on how many snaps Adam Thielen’s back will allow him to play, Diggs could be under pressure to come up with another huge performance. WEATHER, OR NOT A FACTOR? Looks like it will be a lovely evening for a football game in January, which might not be the way the Eagles would have ordered it up. They’d probably prefer conditions be a little frostier, with the Vikings used to playing half their games in the comfortable confines of U.S. Bank Stadium. Both Minny’s road losses were outside (Pittsburgh, Carolina), but that was before winter arrived. BRINGING THE HEAT: The game could very well be won (or lost) on the lines of scrimmage, with both defences pressuring quarterbacks that have a combined three games of playoff experience. Fletcher Cox can’t be blocked, says Eagles teammate Malcolm Jenkins, himself a guy who pops up all over the field. Vikings DE Everson Griffen spoils a lot of plans himself.
SPLITTING THE UPRIGHTS: When the NFC’s top two defences are involved, the ‘under’ bet is going to get a lot of action no matter what line is set. Could very well come down to the kickers, and both are hot. Kai Forbath has to be confident after kicking his first playoff field goals — including a clutch 53-yarder — in a 3-for-4 effort Sunday. Jake Elliott also had a 53-yarder in a 3-for-3 performance against the Falcons.
CAN EAGLES RB KEEP VIKES
OFF-BALANCE? Jay Ajayi should be a key player for the Eagles. He had more touches last week (15 carries, three catches) than he had in any of his seven regular season games with Philly, and getting him going on the ground will be a mandate for a team that wants to buy Nick Foles every second it can.