5 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Falcons in Week 6

Atlanta is more banged up than Minnesota

This one actually matters on the field in terms of X’s and O’s.

Atlanta had about 13 players on its injury report when the weekend rolled around. Injuries have particularly ravaged the NFL in 2020 — some brutal — and the lack of preseason is theorized to be a culprit.

Also, it’s more than the sheer number of hampered Falcons that is concerning. It’s the talent caliber of men that may miss the game or play in a limited capacity. Superstart wideout Julio Jones may or may not play, and he might just be the best player on the field among both teams. Atlanta may be without defensive end Takkarist McKinley who is a first-round talent on the right side of the Falcons defensive line. What’s more, six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Alex Mack is hurt.

That’s a lot of players to replace. The Vikings will be without tailback Dalvin Cook who tweaked his groin in Week 5. Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is optimistic that RB2 Alexander Mattison will fill in seamlessly.