Vikings Defeat Falcons 42-21 in Week 14

In a decisive 42-21 victory, the Minnesota Vikings, led by Sam Darnold, overwhelmed the Atlanta Falcons, further dimming the spotlight on struggling quarterback Kirk Cousins. Darnold excelled with a career-high five touchdowns and a passer rating of 157.9, while Cousins faltered with two interceptions and no scores. Despite Cousins' lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta, calls for rookie Michael Penix to take over as starting quarterback are growing louder amid the team's four-game losing streak. In contrast, the Vikings, boasting an 11-2 record this season with Darnold at the helm, are positioning themselves for a playoff run despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team. While the Vikings are focused on immediate success, they have a long-term plan with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in mind, complicating Darnold's potential extension. This game has accentuated the divergent paths of both quarterbacks, with Darnold's performance only amplifying the scrutiny on Cousins.