The Vikings are on a roll. I think mos thought they would be good but this good…with their backup quarterback? That is impressive. With their backup running back too yet the offense is fifth in yards and eighth in scoring. Combine that with their defense and success is inevitable. Case Keenum took over in week two and has been fantastic. I know his numbers may not jump off the page but it is more than we saw from him when he was with the Texans or the Rams.
How is this for a stat. In more than half of his starts he is completing 70% or more of his passes, with a high water mark of 81% on the road at Chicago. Despite the production the fact remains that the overall talent of their offense is not super high. They are getting it done because he is making good decisions and being smart with the ball. The Vikings defense has lived up to expectations. They are 5th in points and yards allowed.
Everson Griffen has been a terror this season. He has a sack in every game save one, a couple of weeks ago after he came back from a small injury. He will have Matty Ice in his sights this week. Even though they are very stout they could use a little more pass rush from the like of Anthony Barr. Though not a liability he is not the force they were expected when they drafted him.
Everyone saw the Falcons implode in the Super Bowl and for the first couple of months it looked like they were going to be an afterthought this season. They have now won three in a row and look very dangerous. Job #1 for the Vikings will be figuring out how to cover Julio Jones. He had 253 yards receiving last week and if you can’t get him under control it is kind of game over.
Even though he is not having a great season the Falcons hope to get RB Devonta Freeman back. He can be a dangerous weapon for sure. Last year Matt Ryan had a career season. However, if he keeps up his current pace for this season it would be his third best in a strong career. He has not fallen off the shelf.
Like last year the Falcons are a respectable 13th in points allowed. That number is more than good enough if they have the offense producing the way we know they can. Adrian Clayborn has some numbers this season but he is nowhere near the level of Griffen above in terms of impact. The defense does not have much in the way of stars you have to gameplan around.
Writer’s Prediction
These are two good teams and there is a lot at stake here, especially for Atlanta which does not have any real cushion. I am expecting a really good game here. Atlanta has the better offense when it is clicking but the Viking will have something to say about that. Not to be underestimated here is the three game lead the Vikes have. They can come out and play a little less conservative early, if they want to. Pick: Minnesota (+3)
