The Minnesota Vikings will welcome back their former quarterback and teammate Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons and Cousins travel to Minnesota for their match on Sunday for the first time since 2020.
In Week 14, the Vikings' defense will be the focus as they prepare to face their former quarterback.
The defense and Brian Flores will have to be near perfect in the game against Cousins. Although his recent run has been less than ideal, he has had strong performances in his last five games, throwing 13 touchdowns and three interceptions.
With that in mind, here are five Vikings who need to be ready to make a difference on Sunday.
Blake Cashman
November 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) makes a catch against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory attribution: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Blake Cashman and his all-around approach to defense will be in demand this weekend against the Falcons. In addition to patrolling the midfield against Kirk Cousins, Cashman also has to keep Bijan Robinson in check. The real deciding factor in this game will be whether or not Robinson has a big game.
Byron Murphy Jr.
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) react after Griffin made an interception late in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Camryn Bynum
November 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) recovers from an onsides kick against the Indianapolis Colts as safety Camryn Bynum (24) looks on late in the fourth quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Like Murphy Jr., Camryn Bynum will be familiar with Kirk Cousins. He also has a great chance to force a turnover in a game where that contest will make or break him. Look for Bynum to be safe on Sunday along with his other teammate.
Jonathan Greenard
September 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jonathan Greenard has now recorded 10 sacks this year and is poised to increase that total. Greenard played against Cousins once as a rookie but failed to record a sack against him. However, he has come a long way since his 1.5 sack season and is ready to make an impact in a crucial game of the season.
Josh Metellus
September 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) celebrates a pass breakup during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
According to fans, Josh Metellus is playing at a Pro Bowl level. He's in the top ten safety votes league-wide and could win some additional votes with a strong performance in a big game.
