The following is a post from the Saints Blog Blitz looking back at the history of Minnesota-New Orleans matchups.

The Saints and Vikings have a history filled with exciting games. While they haven't met for the NFC Championship before, the two have provided some wild games that may foreshadow an exciting game this Sunday.

Last Meeting: The last time the Saints and Vikings met was a Monday Night Football classic at the Superdome on Oct. 6, 2008. Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns, but the Saints lost, 30-27, on a Ryan Longwell field goal with 13 seconds left.

Drew Brees called it, “the weirdest game I have ever played in,” and it certainly seemed like it. The Saints missed two field goals, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and they committed 11 penalties for 102 yards. Said Vikings coach Brad Childress: "This is as good a win as it gets. I don't know if I've ever been involved in one that went that way."

Reggie Bush, seen here putting a move on Darren Sharper, returned two punts for touchdowns when the Vikings and Saints last met in 2008. Sharper will be on the New Orleans side for Sunday's playoff rematch.

Best Playoff Matchup: On Jan. 3, 1988, The Viking eliminated the Saints from the playoffs in convincing fashion with an array of scores that Reggie Bush and Drew Brees would be proud of. Minnesota scored off a punt, a trick play and a bomb in eliminating the Saints with a 44-10 win.

Most Dominating Saints Win: Sept. 23, 1991. The Saints absolutely dominated the Vikings in this game to win, 26-0. The most staggering stat is that the Vikings crossed midfield only once on a desperation pass to end the first half. Linebacker Sam Mills keyed the defense with 10 tackles, an interception that set up a score, and a stop of Minnesota’s Herschel Walker on fourth down early in the final quarter.

Best Finish: Aug. 9, 1970. Rookie Safety Doug Wyatt ran back a fumble recovery 50 yards with four seconds remaining and Tom Dempsey kicked the extra point to give the Saints a 14-13 victory in an exhibition game.

-- CHARLIE WIDDOES