1. What's one improvement you'd like to see against Minnesota?
Jay Adams: Consistency in the offense, like we saw earlier in the year. The three-and-outs and turnovers have crippled the Falcons offensively and bringing those two things to an end would go a long way toward success on that side of the ball.
Kelsey Conway: Red zone efficiency. The last time the Falcons have scored more than three touchdowns was Week 4 against the Houston Texans. That game was Atlanta's most dominating performance to date, and I hope to see a complete performance like that on Sunday.
Andrew Hirsh: I'd like to see Matt Ryan return to form. Devonta Freeman's status for Sunday is uncertain, and if he can't play, it'll be important for the passing game to click. Ryan can ease the minds of Falcons fans by looking like his vintage self and putting the offense on his back.
2. The Vikings have built a talented defense. Who's one defender Atlanta needs to focus on come Sunday?
JA: Chad Greenway, for sure. He's the heart and soul of that defense and he can do it all. There are plenty of talented players on that side of the ball for Minnesota, so there's certainly more than one player to watch, but as Greenway goes, so do the Vikings.
KC: Everson Griffin, definitely. Griffin has 6.5 of the Vikings 23 sacks and leads this talented Minnesota defense. AH:Linval Joseph isn't a guy who gets much attention, but he's quietly developed into a premier defensive tackle. His 22 stops rank fifth at his position and, with a 24.8 run defense grade on Pro Football Focus, often makes life difficult for opposing RBs. No one else on the Vikings has a run defense grade above 4.9.
3. Adrian Peterson might be the best running back in football. How can the Falcons slow him down?
JA: Keep on keepin' on. The Falcons have the top rushing defense in the league, so they're definitely doing plenty right in this phase of the game. Peterson has big play ability to the outside, so staying gap sound in the middle and true to contain on the outside will be crucial.
KC: Dan Quinn talked about how explosive Peterson is, and you know a running back of that caliber will get his from time to time. The Falcons' run defense is the best in the league, so I believe they will limit Peterson's production by focusing on leverage-based tackling.
AH: As Dan Quinn mentioned Wednesday, Peterson is good at rushing inside and bouncing outside for big plays. To prevent this, Atlanta's interior defensive linemen will need to win the line of scrimmage battle and get to Peterson at the point of attack. It'll be crucial for guys like Paul Soliai, Tyson Jackson and Grady Jarrett to clog up the running lanes and prevent huge gains. Atlanta's rush defense is currently the best in football, so getting the best of Peterson is definitely possible.
*Over/under: Five combined sacks. *
JA: Under. Teddy Bridgewater will be tough to get a hand on. Hopefully, so will Matt Ryan.
KC: Under. I think Matt Ryan gets the football out of his hands quickly and efficiently this week. Teddy Bridgewater is a smart, mobile quarterback who knows how to deliver under pressure.
AH: Under. I think the Falcons' OL will step up this week, and, although the Falcons' pass rush is improving, Teddy Bridgewater is a mobile QB and good at eluding defenders.
