5 incredible stats about the Vikings and Falcons heading into Week 6

What statistics stand out heading into the Minnesota Vikings matchup with the Atlanta Falcons?

When NFL schedules debuted last spring, there was no forecast to suggest that the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons would combine for a 1-9 record heading into Week 6. Nevertheless, that is where the teams stand. The Vikings are a meek 1-4 whereas the Falcons are winless at 0-5.

The turmoil came to a head earlier this week when Falcons skipper Dan Quinn was terminated in the wake of the team’s awful start to 2020. He wasn’t alone though. His boss and general manager, Thomas Dimitroff, was also axed, and the team seems to be at a serious crossroads.

Will Atlanta recommit to franchise stalwart Matt Ryan at quarterback? Or will the team choose a rookie quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft? Ryan should have many profitable years left, but the franchise could go in a different direction.

Minnesota is beset by woes, too. The team was surmised by oddsmakers to be a nine-win team before the season began, but that now looks like a ceiling rather than a general hypothesis. The Vikings defense has been unusually ineffective and the offense has frequently donated the football to the opposition via turnovers.

Ergo, something’s gotta give in Week 6. But before Minnesota and Atlanta take the field, let’s take a look at five stats to keep in mind when these two teams face off on Sunday.