Minnesota Vikings run down and defeat the Atlanta Falcons

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 20-10, on Sunday in a low scoring affair with key players out for both teams.

Harrison Smith and Trae Waynes were both out for the Vikings, but the purple secondary was still able to stop Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons offense who were without stud running back Devonta Freeman in the game.

Minnesota only scored two touchdowns on Sunday and both came on Adrian Peterson runs. Peterson opened up the scoring in the first with a one-yard run and a 35-yard scamper in the fourth put the Vikings in control at 20-3. Peterson finished with 158 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Tevin Coleman had a real good game in relief of Freeman. Coleman ran for 110 yards on 18 carries.

Teddy Bridgewater went 20/28 for 174 yards and one interception which was a beautiful catch by Ricardo Allen. Matt Ryan went 23/31 for 230 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Ryan threw for 230 yards, but the Vikings held down the big target of Julio Jones.

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Jones had only five catches for 56 yards. Roddy White had six grabs for 60 yards. Jacob Tamme had five grabs for 69 yards. Nick Williams was on the receiving end of the only Falcons touchdown.

Seven Vikings registered a catch on Sunday and it was another big day for Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph had seven catches for 53 yards. Stefon Diggs had four grabs for 31 yards.

Combined with the Green Bay Packers loss on Thanksgiving to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings now retake the lead in the NFC North. The Vikings now take on the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium.

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