Vikings Beat Falcons 42-21 Behind Darnold

Sam Darnold had a career-best performance, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 42-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Darnold completed 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns, becoming the first Vikings quarterback since 2004 to achieve this feat. Jordan Addison was his primary target, catching eight passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, while Justin Jefferson added seven receptions for 132 yards and two scores. Despite Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota, he struggled for the Falcons, completing 23 of 37 passes for 344 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. The game was tied 21-21 entering the fourth quarter, but Minnesota pulled away as Atlanta's penalties and turnovers proved costly. The Vikings' win improved their record to 11-2, while the Falcons dropped to 6-7.