 catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=667,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21827578.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=786,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21827578.jpg”><figcaption> Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings (10-2) and Atlanta Falcons (6-6) will face off this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota won its fifth straight game last week, 23-22, at home <a href=)
against the Arizona Cardinals, while Atlanta lost its third straight game, 17-13, at home to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Falcons + Flashback
Minnesota leads the all-time series 21-12.
Before the season began, this was considered one of the biggest games on the schedule. Why? They will be facing Kirk Cousins, their quarterback for the previous six seasons. What kind of reception will he receive from the fans? There could very possibly be mixed reactions.
 passes against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-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/cousinsplayatl.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=625,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cousinsplayatl.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/cousinsplayatl.jpg” alt=”Prediction”><figcaption> Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The last time these two teams faced each other was last season in Atlanta. Josh Dobbs went 20/30 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and he also rushed for one. T.J. Hockenson caught seven passes for 69 yards.</p>
<p>Dobbs was just traded to Minnesota from the Arizona Cardinals five days earlier after Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.</p>
<p>“What he was able to do in really five days’ time was as impressive as I’ve seen a quarterback be able to do,” <a href=)
O’Connell said.
On defense, Jordan Hicks recorded a game-high 11 tackles and a sack. Byron Murphy Jr. recorded an interception. Minnesota won 31-28 and improved to 5-4. They finished the season at 7-10. Atlanta fell to 4-5 and also finished at 7-10. It was the sixth year in a row they missed the playoffs.
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=667,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21827390.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=786,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21827390.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=667,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21827390.jpg” alt >
For Atlanta, Taylor Heinicke went 21/38 for 268 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Jonnu Smith caught five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. On defense, David Onyemata and Nate Landman each tied with a team-high 10 tackles. Each also recorded a sack.
The decision to move on from Cousins continues to look better and better for Minnesota. At age 36, he is not the same player. The team would not compete for a Super Bowl with him, so it would not have made sense to keep paying him big money. He also had a major injury last year. His best days are clearly behind him. Sam Darnold has also played better at only $10 million this season.
After advancing to the NFC Championship Game in 2017, Minnesota moved on from Case Keenum and brought in Cousins. With Cousins, they only won one playoff game in six seasons and made it to the playoffs only twice.
” 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/2024/12/darnoldcard.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=662,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/darnoldcard.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/2024/12/darnoldcard.jpg” alt>
That was not all on him, but he still deserved some blame for them not winning more due to his salary and not always performing his best in the biggest games and moments. He was a very good player for them. Elite? No. It was time for both sides to move on. This year, Minnesota certainly looked better in the split than Cousins.
Minnesota should win this game and continue their winning streak. The Detroit Lions keep winning, too, but Minnesota winning will keep putting pressure on them, making the week 18 matchup at Ford Field much bigger. We will find out soon where this team will finish in the playoff standings.
One thing is for sure, though: This team has exceeded expectations all season long. Even the biggest team optimists did not see this coming.
Prediction: Vikings win 34-23
