Saints still cover spread thanks to extra point kneeldown

The New Orleans Saints were big losers on Sunday, but they did help some people despite blowing their NFC divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Saints were leading 24-23 after kicking a field goal to take the lead with 25 seconds left. They looked to be sure winners as Minnesota faced a 3rd-and-10 situation from their 39 with 10 seconds left and no timeouts.

Case Keenum heaved a ball downfield to Stefon Diggs, who scored on a 61-yard touchdown to go up 29-24 thanks to a badly missed tackle.

But the story didn’t end there. The spread for the game was Minnesota -5.5, meaning despite leading by five, the Vikings were not covering the spread. NFL rules require teams to attempt extra points after touchdowns, even if there is no time left on the clock. But instead of kicking to go up 30-24 and cover the spread, the Vikings kneeled on the ball.

So the Vikings’ miracle touchdown may have helped them win, but it didn’t help most Minnesota backers cover the spread.