I really don't expect much offensive output from either of these teams, given the unavoidable issues of the two starting quarterbacks - the largely untested Tarvaris Jackson and perennial stinker Joey Harrington. The defensive edge lies unquestionably with Minnesota - who boasted last season's most oppressive rush defense - allowing just 61.6 yards per game. The Falcons may have used Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood effectively enough to steal a bunch of games last season, but Vick's going to prison, Dunn is a year older and Norwood's yet to truly break out. On the other hand, the Vikings have two healthy running backs - Chester Taylor is in his prime and gained 1,200+ yards on the ground while rookie Adrian Peterson showed some brilliant moves in the preseason. While the game's probably going to come down to who turns the ball over where, I have to like Minnesota's chances at pulling this one out and just covering the all-too-predictable field goal spread.
Predicted Score: Vikings 17, Falcons 13
Fantasy Focus Atlanta: There's really no point beating around the bush - the Falcons offense couldn't match up worse against any defense in the league. Harrington and Norwood aren't viable options at this point, and I can't recommend starting Dunn in anything but point-per-reception leagues. Horn and Crumpler, on the other hand, should be Joey's most reliable options.
Start: Alge Crumpler
Consider: Joe Horn and Warrick Dunn
Sit: Joey Harrington, Jerious Norwood, Michael Jenkins and Billy Cundiff
Minnesota: It's going to be tough to predict how the Vikings get out of the gate in 2007 with Jackson - a QB that hasn't been truly successful at any level since high school - at the helm. I like the huge offensive line on its weak side, but the right side needs some work. I expect to see a lot of counters and screen plays in the first few games from the Vikings offense, and not a lot of forcing the ball downfield. But ball control could be a successful plan against the Falcons.
Note: Team statistics are shown as the average per game
through Weeks 12 to 17 of the 2006 season after deducting the best
and worst value from the data set. The exception is yards per rush attempt, completion %, yards per
pass completion, yards per pass attempt and the NFL averages, which are each calculated based on
totals through Weeks 12 to 17 with no adjustment.
Defense Stats Comparison
ATL Defense
MIN Defense
NFL Average
Points against
19.8
23.8
21.1
Rushing yards
111.5
53.5
123.7
Rushing yards per attempt
3.63
2.92
4.30
Completion %
62.1%
59.7%
60.0%
Passing yards
246.5
281.8
201.8
Passing yards per completion
12.25
11.12
10.67
Passing yards per attempt
7.61
6.64
6.40
INT return
0.3
2.0
1.1
Fumble recoveries
0.5
1.8
0.7
Sacks
1.8
1.3
2.2
Weather
Dome stadium
Team vs. Team History
Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings
Season
Week
Date
Vis
Home
Score
Winner
2002
13
2002-12-01
ATL
MIN
30-24
ATL
2003
5
2003-10-05
MIN
ATL
39-26
MIN
2005
4
2005-10-02
MIN
ATL
10-30
ATL
Note: Only playoff games from the
2004 and 2005 seasons are included in the team vs. team history.
Playoff games from seasons prior to 2004 are not currently included in the database.
