2017 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 13

Minnesota Vikings (9-2) at Atlanta Falcons (7-4)

The Minnesota Vikings are getting put through the ringer as we work our way through the final few weeks of the regular season. Despite that, they keep coming out on top. I’m predicting that’s not going to change in Week 13.

There are two things that make me believe the Vikings have a slight edge in this one. The first is that Minnesota’s defense has Xavier Rhodes. Not only is he one of the league’s elite cornerbacks, but he held Julio Jones to five catches, 56 yards and zero touchdowns when they met back in 2015. He’s gotten better since then, which makes me believe Rhodes can do it again.

The second is that the Vikings actually have an outstanding offensive line. One of the reasons for the Atlanta Falcons’ recent resurgence has been their pass rush, which has been wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Just ask Dak Prescott. Between the Minnesota front five and Case Keenum’s sneaky pocket presence, the Atlanta pass rush will be relatively nullified.

Still, Matt Ryan and Co. won’t be completely kept in check. The Vikings will give up some big plays, and extend some of Atlanta’s drives with penalties. In the end, though, they’ll keep their winning streak alive and get one step closer to locking up the NFC North.

Prediction: Vikings win 24-21