Atlanta Falcons: Previewing NFC North divisional opponents
By Deen Worley
Record since 2010: (1-4)
Key losses: Stefon Diggs, Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes
Key additions: Michael Pierce
Last matchup: Week 1, 2019: Vikings – 28 Falcons – 12
History is definitely not on the Falcons side when up against the Vikings. Since 1966, the Atlanta Falcons have only managed 11 wins against the Vikings, the last win occurred in 2011 with a 24-14 victory in the Georgia Dome. However, the Vikings have never managed a five-game winning streak against the Falcons, so while the Falcons have had a very rough history against the Vikings, they are due for a win.
In 2019, the Falcons were gashed on the ground by the would-be 10-6 Vikings as the Falcons let up nearly 200 yards on the ground. The poor rush defense seemed to be a headline grabber throughout the entire first half of the season. I don’t expect this same type of success in 2020 as the Vikings have shown that they are unable to replicate the success of the previous season. In this century alone, the Vikings have only managed back to back playoff seasons once (2008/2009).
The Vikings will also be without their top offensive weapon in Stefon Diggs and will be without two heavy hitters on defense in Xavier Rhodes and Everson Griffen. The addition of Michael Pierce may help soften the loss of Griffen.