Which playoff team should the Vikings want to face most, least in the NFC divisional round

One former NFL MVP, a former Super Bowl MVP and one of the game's rising quarterbacks are playing this weekend for a chance to visit the Vikings Jan. 14 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Each passer — the Panthers' Cam Newton, Saints' Drew Brees or the Rams' Jared Goff — presents a unique challenge for the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense in Minnesota.

But which foe is the best matchup for the Vikings in the NFC divisional round?

No matter this weekend's outcomes, the Vikings' opening playoff game will feature a rematch of the regular season against either the Rams, Saints or Panthers. The Vikings beat the Saints (Week 1) and the Rams (Week 11) before losing to the Panthers 31-24 in Charlotte in Week 14.

Vikings players undoubtedly would welcome a rematch with the Panthers, this time in their own building after Carolina put up 216 rushing yards, which was the second-most against the Vikings defense in three seasons.

But let's start with the team Vikings fans should be rooting for this weekend — the third-seeded Rams, who automatically come to Minnesota with a victory Saturday night against the sixth-seeded Falcons.

No. 3 seed Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

No NFL defense held the Rams' top-ranked scoring offense to fewer points (seven) or rushing yards (45) than the Vikings in a 24-7 trouncing at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 19.

Coach Mike Zimmer knew beforehand that Goff routinely got pre-snap help from the Rams sideline, which gave the Vikings an advantage. Goff threw at least two touchdowns in seven of eight games to end the regular season, but against the Vikings, he was held out of the end zone. Todd Gurley, the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,305 yards, managed only 25 yards on 13 touches after Los Angeles' opening scoring drive.

The Vikings' defensive dominance less than two months ago makes a Rams rematch seem ideal with a berth in the NFC Championship Game on the line.

Krammer's confidence meter (out of 5): 4½

No. 4 seed New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Here's where things get more interesting. If the Falcons beat the Rams on Saturday, the Vikings would get the winner of the Saints-Panthers game in New Orleans on Sunday.

These aren't the same Saints on offense or defense that lost 29-19 to the Vikings back in the Sept. 11 regular-season opener on "Monday Night Football." Brees is now leading a primarily spread attack with four receivers — Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman — heavily involved. It's also changed the look of their running game, which is now dominating with a two-headed backfield featuring Mark Ingram and rookie sensation Alvin Kamara, who has averaged 101 yards from scrimmage per game since the Saints' loss at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Saints defense, including rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore, also found a groove after surrendering 470 yards to the Vikings. Only four of New Orleans' final 14 opponents topped 21 points.

Krammer's confidence meter: 3

No. 5 seed Carolina Panthers (11-5)

The Vikings should be favorites regardless of the NFC divisional round opponent, but a rematch with the Panthers could draw the underdog out of them more than others.

There's a chip on the shoulder of some Vikings players after last month's loss in Charlotte, where a 60-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Stewart and a 62-yard run by Newton swung the game toward Carolina. Those were the only two runs of 40-plus yards against the Vikings all season. So a second shot at Newton and the Panthers' unique read-option run schemes could prove beneficial for a Vikings defense that would be playing at home this time.

One key for the Vikings offense in a possible rematch: center Pat Elflein, who did not play against the Panthers on Dec. 10 because of a shoulder injury, is expected to be ready for the Vikings' Jan. 14 playoff game. Subsequently, running back Latavius Murray had only 14 yards on nine carries in Carolina.

Krammer's confidence meter: 3½