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Vikings vs. Falcons: Preview, score prediction for Week 13

By Derek Snyder

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Rhett Ellison #85 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Robert Alford #23 and Kroy Biermann #71 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Rhett Ellison #85 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Robert Alford #23 and Kroy Biermann #71 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome on November 29, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings meet up this weekend in a huge NFC showdown. featuring two of the hottest teams in the league. While these two squads are a few games apart in the standings, they could potentially meet up one more time in January. Needless to say, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is going to be rocking in Week 13.

That said, whoever wins this game on Sunday afternoon will take one step closer to their ultimate goal in 2017: winning Super Bowl LII. With two teams having championship aspirations, I believe this could be the best game of the entire weekend, if not the 2017 season.

Here are keys to victory for both teams in their Week 13 matchup:

Falcons Keys to Victory:

More from Atlanta Falcons

Stop Everson Griffen: The Falcons have a huge challenge this weekend, as the league’s sack-leader is coming into Mercedes-Benz Stadium looking to add to his 12 total sacks. Needless to say, the Vikings success can largely be attributed to Griffen, who is averaging, at least, one sack per game this season.

If Atlanta wants any chance of winning Sunday afternoon, stopping Griffen has to be priority number one.

Win On 1st Down: This key is just as big for the offense as it will be for their defense. Not only does Minnesota have a strong defensive line, but their offensive line may be even stronger. According to ESPN, the Vikings have only allowed 12 sacks this year, which ties them with the Chargers for the best total in the NFL.

That said, Atlanta has to keep the Vikings to 3rd and long situations because if they don’t, Case Keenum will pick them piece from piece.

Vikings Keys to Victory

Get McKinnon and Murray Going Early: Jerrick McKinnon and Latavius Murray aren’t two running backs that jump off film, but they do play very well in Minnesota’s offensive system. After rookie Dalvin Cook went down for the season, these two guys have stepped up, and played solid football for the Vikings.

If McKinnon and Murray can get some yardage early in the first-half against the Falcons defense, it will go a long way in keeping the Dirty Birds’ offense off the field and giving Keenum better opportunities on third and short.

Win the Turnover Battle: Trust me, I already believe the Minnesota is the better football team heading into Week 13. However, if they can win the turnover battle against the Falcons, it will make a huge difference in whether this game goes down to the wire or the Vikings win comfortably.

Atlanta has struggled to get back into games this year when they’ve turned over the ball, which will be even harder for the Birds if they do it again in Week 13.

Odds:

Point Spread: Atlanta -3
Moneyline: Minnesota +130, Atlanta -150
Over/Under: 47.5

Next: 20 Bold predictions for NFL Week 13

Prediction

I have gone back and forth between these two teams, but at the end of the day, I believe it’ll be the Vikings who leave Mercedes-Benz Stadium victorious. Minnesota is one of the toughest teams in football, especially with their guys up-front. Not to mention, thanks to some key injuries for Atlanta in the secondary, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen could have huge games.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings: 24, Atlanta Falcons: 16

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