Minnesota Vikings: Ranking non-divisional games in 2019

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws an interception late in the second quarter while trying to avoid a sack by the Minnesota Vikings defense at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

7. Week 1 vs. Atlanta Falcons

There always seems to be hype surrounding a Vikings-Falcons matchup. The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the entire league.

Devonta Freeman is a dangerous running back that can contribute on the ground and in the air. Julio Jones is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, if not the best. Austin Hooper has emerged as an elite pass-catching tight end. Quarterback Matt Ryan is a former MVP. Factor in that combination and Atlanta is a scary team to start the season with.

2018 was a bit of a down season for the Falcons. They finished the season with a 7-9 record and dealt with numerous injuries. Six starters were placed on the injured reserve at some point throughout the season. Ricardo Allen, Freeman, Brandon Fusco, Deion Jones, Keanu Neal and Andy Levitre played in a combined 21 games. They will return hungry for the upcoming season.

Opening weekend is always tough to gauge. Teams are coming out of camp and are unsure of how things will mesh once the real season starts. Luckily, the Vikings open the season at home. They haven’t lost a home opener since 2014 and haven’t lost to the Falcons since 2011. In terms of season openers go, this is as fun a matchup as Vikings fans could hope to have.

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