The Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats game held on December 8, 2024, was a dramatic, high-scoring matchup that ended in a commanding 42-21 victory for the Minnesota Vikings. The game took place at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings showcased a powerful offensive display led by backup quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold stepped in for the injured J.J. McCarthy and delivered a career-defining performance.
On the other side, the Falcons were led by Kirk Cousins, returning to face his former team. While he managed to throw for over 300 yards, his two interceptions and the team’s inability to convert red zone opportunities turned out to be costly. The Vikings capitalized on turnovers and displayed greater composure throughout the game.
This contest wasn’t just another regular season game — it had major implications for playoff positioning in the NFC. With the win, Minnesota solidified its status as a legitimate postseason contender, while Atlanta was left searching for consistency on both sides of the ball.
| Category | Atlanta Falcons | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 21 | 42 |
| Total Yards | 496 | 433 |
| Passing Yards | 344 | 347 |
| Rushing Yards | 152 | 86 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 31:35 | 28:25 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 12 (127) | 6 (35) |
Key Takeaways:
- Vikings were perfect in the red zone (6/6).
- Sam Darnold threw five touchdown passes, a career-high.
- Atlanta’s three turnovers directly led to 21 Vikings points.
- The Falcons defense gave up multiple big plays on third down.
Quote from Sam Darnold:
“I’ve been waiting for a game like this for a long time. Everything just clicked — I felt confident, the receivers were explosive, and the playcalling was spot on.”
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head History & Rivalry Trends
The Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats rivalry might not be as storied as some other NFC matchups, but it has delivered unforgettable moments over the decades. Historically, these teams have faced each other 33 times, with the Vikings holding a slight edge in the all-time series. Before this 2024 matchup, the series was nearly even, but this latest win gives Minnesota a clearer lead.
All-Time Record Before 2024 Match
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 19 | 14 | 57.5% |
| Atlanta Falcons | 14 | 19 | 42.5% |
One of the most iconic meetings came in the 1998 NFC Championship Game, where the underdog Falcons shocked the heavily favored Vikings 30-27 in overtime. That game ended Minnesota’s nearly perfect season and remains a painful memory for their fanbase.
In recent years, however, the Vikings have dominated the series. With this 2024 win, they have now won 4 of the last 5 matchups. Atlanta’s only recent win came in 2020, when they posted a blowout victory despite a losing season.
Notable Trend:
In their last five meetings, the Vikings have averaged 34.6 points per game, highlighting consistent offensive success against Atlanta’s defense.
Team Stats Comparison — Falcons vs Vikings
This matchup was statistically interesting because both teams racked up yards but differed greatly in execution and discipline. Let’s break down how the numbers tell the story.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Stat Category | Falcons | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offensive Yards | 496 | 433 |
| First Downs | 25 | 24 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 5/13 (38%) | 8/12 (67%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/5 (40%) | 6/6 (100%) |
| Turnovers | 3 (2 INT, 1 FUM) | 0 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 0 |
| Penalties | 12 for 127 yds | 6 for 35 yds |
Despite outgaining the Vikings in total yards, the Falcons’ failure in red zone conversions and turnovers sealed their fate. Meanwhile, the Vikings executed flawlessly when it mattered most. This contrast shows how discipline and efficiency, not just yardage, decide football games.
Minnesota Vikings Player Stats & Standouts
This game was a breakout showcase for multiple Vikings players, none more impressive than quarterback Sam Darnold. Filling in as the starter, he posted his best game as a pro.
Key Vikings Player Stats
| Player | Position | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold | QB | 22/28, 347 YDS, 5 TDs, 0 INT |
| Jordan Addison | WR | 8 REC, 133 YDS, 3 TDs |
| Justin Jefferson | WR | 6 REC, 71 YDS, 2 TDs |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | RB | 13 CAR, 73 YDS, 1 TD |
| Danielle Hunter | EDGE | 6 TKL, 2 TFL, 1 QB hit |
Sam Darnold’s five-touchdown performance was notable not just for its stat line, but for how calm and precise he looked in the pocket. He spread the ball efficiently, hitting both Addison and Jefferson for multiple scores. Darnold’s passer rating was an almost-perfect 157.9, marking a career-high.
Meanwhile, Jordan Addison torched the Falcons secondary with multiple deep routes, including a crucial 40-yard score on 3rd and long. Justin Jefferson, always reliable, caught two TDs including a toe-tap grab in the corner of the end zone.
Coach Kevin O’Connell praised Darnold after the game:
“Sam was laser-sharp. That’s exactly what we needed in a big moment.”
Atlanta Falcons Player Stats & Analysis
While the Falcons managed to generate nearly 500 yards of offense, turnovers and missed opportunities prevented them from staying competitive.
Key Falcons Player Stats
| Player | Position | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins | QB | 23/37, 344 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | 22 CAR, 92 YDS, 1 TD |
| Tyler Allgeier | RB | 9 CAR, 63 YDS, 1 TD |
| Darnell Mooney | WR | 6 REC, 142 YDS |
| Jessie Bates III | S | 9 TKL, 1 PD |
Kirk Cousins, facing his former team, had a bitter return. He posted solid yardage but was intercepted twice — once on a deep shot and once on a misread slant route. Neither of his top receivers (Drake London or Ray-Ray McCloud) found the end zone.
The backfield, however, was a bright spot. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combined for 155 rushing yards and 2 TDs. Unfortunately, the offensive line struggled in pass protection and the team could not finish drives in the red zone.
Advanced Metrics & Game-Changing Plays
Beyond basic stats, deeper metrics tell us how momentum swung in favor of Minnesota.
Key Advanced Metrics
- Explosive Plays (20+ Yards): Vikings 6, Falcons 3
- EPA per Play: Vikings +0.38, Falcons +0.04
- Red Zone Touchdown Rate: Vikings 100%, Falcons 40%
- Turnover Differential: Vikings +3
Game-Changing Moments
- INT by Vikings CB Byron Murphy early in Q2 that led to a touchdown.
- 40-yard TD to Jordan Addison on 3rd & 11 broke the game open at 28-14.
- Darnold’s 5th TD pass, a red zone strike to Jefferson, closed the door in Q4.
These momentum-shifting plays all happened in response to Atlanta errors, showing how opportunistic football wins games.
Player Highlights & Post-Game Quotes
Vikings Highlights
- Sam Darnold – Career-best game with 5 TDs and zero turnovers
- Jordan Addison – 3 TDs and multiple highlight catches
- Defensive Unit – Held Falcons scoreless in the 4th quarter
Falcons Highlights
- Darnell Mooney – Surprising 142-yard day
- Bijan Robinson – Efficient 4.2 yards per carry and a red zone TD
Post-game quote from Kirk Cousins:
“You always want to beat your old team, but I didn’t take care of the football. That’s on me.”
Implications & What’s Next
This win elevated the Vikings to 8–5, keeping them in wild card position. With Darnold’s performance, the QB situation in Minnesota becomes more interesting, especially if McCarthy returns soon.
For the Falcons, now at 6–7, this loss places serious pressure on their next divisional games. Playoff hopes are still alive, but mistakes like these cannot continue.
Injury Notes:
- Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson exited briefly but returned.
- Falcons CB A.J. Terrell suffered a hamstring issue late.
FAQs
1. Who was the top player in the Falcons vs Vikings game?
Sam Darnold was the standout player, throwing five touchdowns and over 340 yards. He led the Vikings with poise and made zero mistakes.
2. How did Kirk Cousins perform against his former team?
Cousins threw for 344 yards but had two key interceptions and zero touchdowns, making it a tough return to Minnesota.
3. What was the key difference in the game?
Turnovers and red zone efficiency. Vikings scored touchdowns on all red zone trips, while Falcons left points on the board.
4. Which Falcons player impressed the most?
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was a surprise breakout, recording 142 receiving yards and consistently beating coverage.
5. Are the Vikings now playoff favorites?
They’re in strong wild card position and look dangerous with weapons like Addison, Jefferson, and a revived Sam Darnold at QB.
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