Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings: Who Wins?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws before the game against the New England Patriots at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots win 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
A new era is beginning for the Minnesota Vikings while the Atlanta Falcons take aim at control of their division. Who wins this matchup?
Subplots
Teddy Bridgewater era begins for Vikings
Blake Bortles isn’t the only rookie getting his first start in week 4. Teddy Bridgewater makes his official debut for the Vikings as well. He performed halfway decent in New Orleans but this will be his first start and it will be at home. So that is good news. The bad news is he’ll have to make due without his best running back, his best tight end and one of his key offensive linemen. It’s not the most ideal situation for a rookie, but Teddy has thrived under pressure in the past.
Key Matchup To Watch
Xavier Rhodes against Julio Jones
People were afraid for a split second that Julio Jones might not return to his dominant form after the injury he suffered last year. That fear has quickly been eradicated. Jones ripped through Tampa Bay last week and hopes to continue that success in Minnesota. His primary foil will be Xavier Rhodes. The second-year corner with plenty of athletic ability but who has struggled with inconsistency thus far in 2014. Minnesota will need him to keep Jones in check, otherwise the Vikings may never have a chance to get into the game.
Quick Stats of Interest
Cordarrelle Patterson is the leading rusher and receiver for Minnesota
Atlanta is averaging 34 points per game and scored 56 in week 3
The Vikings defense has allowed just 18 points per game
The Falcons have just three sacks on the season
Minnesota has allowed seven sacks
Atlanta ranks 1st in the NFL in punt returns with Devin Hester
Minnesota ranks 8th in punt coverage, allowing just 4.7 yards per return
Pick: ATL 24, MIN 17
The Minnesota Vikings have proven themselves a strong defensive team that will make it hard most of the day on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons offense. Still, they’re starting a rookie quarterback who won’t have some of his key weapons. Falcons get ahead early and hold on late.