 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>
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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.
Vikings Defensive Front vs. Bijan Robinson
The Vikings possibly have the best run defense in the league. So far, the Vikings have only allowed 976 rushing yards this season, which is an impressive 3.7 yards per carry. They are the only team that hasn’t exceeded the 1000 yards mark allowed. Cousins is generally more effective as a QB when he has a dominant run game to work off. The Falcons have Bijan Robinson, the eighth overall pick from last year, leading their rushing attack. After a slightly disappointing rookie season, Robinson has had a major breakout in Year 2 as both a rusher and a pass catcher.
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Robinson has 885 yards on the ground at 4.6 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. He also has an impressive 51 receptions from 55 targets for 392 yards and a touchdown. His overall grade of 91.4 from 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?
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