Vikings at Falcons: What to know ahead of Week 9 matchup
Here are some things to know before the Vikings travel to play the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday:
Vikings at Packers
When: 12 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium
TV: FOX
Radio: KFAN
Line: Falcons – 3.5
Over/Under: 37.5
Keys for the Vikings
— This will be the first NFL start for rookie quarterback Jaren Hall, and thus, it’s on head coach Kevin O’Connell to make things easier on him. Maybe that means establishing the run. Maybe that means quick passes to tight end T.J. Hockenson. Maybe that means rolling Hall out so he only has to read half of the field. Whatever the game plan is, keeping Hall comfortable will be important, especially if the Vikings want to walk away with a win.
— On the flip side, the Vikings might be able to get after veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who will be starting for the Falcons. He has the reputation of a gunslinger, meaning if the Vikings force him into some bad decisions, there could be turnovers waiting on the other end.
Keys for the Falcons
— The Falcons will need to run the ball well, with rookie running back Bijan Robinson leading the charge. He’s the most dynamic player they have at their disposal, and it’s on head coach Arthur Smith to get him going early and often on Sunday.
— The easiest way for the Falcons to turn the tides in their favor will be pressuring Hall every time he drops back to pass. If they can disrupt his rhythm in the pocket with a wide array of blitzes, the Vikings might have some trouble moving the ball on offense.
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