Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta Falcons: Preview, Keys to Victory and Prediction

Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings will head into their Week 12 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in the driver’s seat of the NFC North, leading the division by themselves.

Wait, what? Didn’t they lose to the Green Bay Packers last week to fall back into second place?

This is all true, but Green Bay suffered a surprising 17-13 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving night to fall to 7-4, and they now trail Minnesota (7-3) by a half game for the division lead.

The Vikings are coming off a pretty weak performance at home against the Packers that reminded some of their Week 1 disaster in San Francisco. The execution in all three phases was poor, and it was surprising to see a Mike Zimmer-led team come out so flat in such a big game.

However, the Falcons might be the perfect opponent to help the Vikings get back on track. After starting the season 5-0, Atlanta has now lost four of its last five games and their last three. Their only win in their last five games was a mere 10-7 victory against the Tennessee Titans.

Sunday’s clash is set up to have serious playoff implications for both teams, as the Falcons currently hold the final wild card spot while the Vikings sit in third in the NFC as the North division leader.

If the Vikings want to win the division, taking advantage of this opportunity and regaining that game lead against a reeling opponent is something that needs to be done. Teams don’t get many chances like this.

Next: Vikings @ Falcons: Game Info