Five questions with Blogging Dirty: Minnesota Vikings vs Falcons in Week 13
By Adam Carlson
We went behind enemy lines to ask Blogging Dirty five questions about the Minnesota Vikings upcoming Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Minnesota Vikings look to continue their winning ways in Week 13, but it won’t be an easy task to accomplish since they are taking on one of the most explosive teams in the NFL: the Atlanta Falcons.
There are a lot of interesting things about this game, including matching a high-powered Falcons offense against a smothering Minnesota defense, but there is much more to this matchup than meets the eye.
Ikaika Hall from FanSided’s website about the Atlanta Falcons, Blogging Dirty, took the time to answer some questions about the Falcons, how they match up against the Vikings, and what to expect in Week 13.
1) Atlanta is currently 7-4 and in 3rd place in their division. How important is it for the Falcons to beat Minnesota?
“Sunday’s game has certainly shaped itself to become the most important of the season thus far for the Atlanta Falcons. With playoff implications, Atlanta’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings will provide the 2017 Matt Ryan led Falcons offense with their greatest test yet. Currently, there is a tight race in the NFC South, and Atlanta needs to win on Sunday in order to maintain pace with the division leader New Orleans Saints. The Bigger picture shows multiple NFC teams in striking distance of a playoff spot. NFC teams have little to no room for error. Atlanta needs to defeat the Vikings on Sunday in order to maintain their place in the standings, but also to further boost their momentum and confidence as they head into the final games of the regular season.”
2) What is one way the Falcons have an advantage over Minnesota?
“Although they have failed to consistently show it this season, Atlanta has a powerful offense. The talent and leadership are there. Over the past two games, the Falcons have managed to score north of 30 points per contest. Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings will further determine if the 2016 Atlanta Falcons offensive has found its stride in the current season. If Falcons coordinator Steve Sarkisian can call up the right plays, and Atlanta’s offense can execute, it will be a long day for the Vikings defense.”
3) Who is one player for the Falcons who Vikings fans may not know, but should?
“Keep an eye on Falcons defensive back Brian Poole. Atlanta cornerback Desmond Trufant will not play on Sunday, and Poole might be called upon to cover in his absence. Poole is a solid defender, undrafted, and from the University of Florida. Poole has proven to be a valuable contributor to the Falcons defense, but he may be called upon to have one of the better games of his career on Sunday as Atlanta takes on the very impressive Vikings offense. Will Poole be able to answer the call?”
4) Which one player from each team will have a big day on Sunday and why?
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“I suspect that Falcons running back Devonta Freeman will have a solid game. Freeman has missed the previous three games as the result of a concussion. It appears that Freeman is eager to perform. If Sarkisian can successfully implement ways in which Freeman can get involved on offense, Freeman could possess the capability to carry Atlanta to victory.
On the Vikings side of the ball, I will be keeping an eye on cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes has defended Atlanta receiver Julio Jones well in the past. If Rhodes is able to duplicate his success against Jones on Sunday, the Vikings will minimize the Falcons greatest weapon. I tend to think Rhodes will hold Jones to under five catches.”
5) What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?
“This is the most important game of the season thus far for the Falcons. It is vital that Atlanta wins this game, especially given the success of other NFC South teams. However, the Falcons are being asked to defeat the Minnesota Vikings, who could very well be the best team in the NFC. If it were another team, I’d give the Falcons the victory. But it’s the 2017 Vikings, and I think the challenge will prove to be too great for this 7-4 Falcons team. The final score will not even be close and with it, Atlanta’s playoff hopes will move further away. Final score: Vikings 36 – Atlanta 17“
Next: How to watch Vikings vs Falcons in Week 13
Huge thanks go out to Ikaika Hall from Blogging Dirty for answering these five questions about the Minnesota Vikings Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons. What are your predictions, let us know in the comments section below.