 leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670723.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670723.jpg”><figcaption> Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>It’s the Vikings vs. Falcons in Week as Minnesota again welcomes a fellow NFC team with playoff aspirations. This time, it’s the current NFC South leaders from Atlanta. </p>
<h4>Vikings vs. Falcons | Key Personnel Battles</h4>
<p>The <a href=)
Vikings can expect a Falcons team that is out of form with three straight losses but desperate for a win to halt their season slipping away. A win for the Vikings would create a hefty gap between themselves and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North while keeping them just one game back from division leaders, the Detroit Lions. If the Vikings are going to win, here are some of the key personnel battles they need to come out on top of.
Brian Flores vs. Kirk Cousins
Minnesota knows Kirk Cousins can be rattled if you put him under pressure. They also know he is good at reading the blitz and getting the ball out quickly. The Vikings have often struggled to get pressure up front without blitzing, and it’s an issue that Brian Flores needs to solve — not only for this week but also for the big games against the Packers and Lions that are on the horizon.
Pro Football Focus ranks second among running backs across the league. I expect quick passes and screens to Robinson to be a big part of the Falcons’ offensive game plan.
Sam Darnold vs. The Falcons Secondary
When opposing teams come to play the Vikings, the question is whether their defense will stick to their tendencies or the Justin Jefferson effect will cause them to change completely. The Falcons operate almost entirely from a three-high shell, running either Cover 3 or 3 Seam 41.8% of the time. Darnold has had great success against that look this season, but will the Falcons stick to it or go down the route most do and give Jefferson special attention?
 smiles as he leaves the field against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/darnten.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=611,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/darnten.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/darnten.jpg” alt><figcaption> Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Atlanta’s best defensive players are in the secondary, but how much do they trust them to cope with the Vikings’ high-powered offense? The key to success with this Vikings offense is Darnold’s ability to know when to feed Jefferson and when to move off him and feed everyone else. After the three-interception horror show in Jacksonville, Darnold hasn’t been picked off in the last three games. If he can keep his game clean, good things can happen for Minnesota. </p>
<p>For Atlanta, how well the Falcons can limit Darnold’s big-time throws and if they can create turnovers will dictate if they can get back to winning ways in Week 14.</p>
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