The Falcons’ offseason focus on bolstering the pass rush produced immediate dividends, piling pressure on JJ McCarthy for six sacks and 16 total pressures. Young playmakers like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. delivered their first career sacks, while Bowman and Xavier Watts each posted their first INTs. Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus added first career sacks as Atlanta’s defense dominated the Vikings in a night of disruption.

The Vikings were knocked off balance in every phase, finishing with under 200 yards, no touchdown, multiple miscues, and a surge of penalties. The Falcons’ newfound defensive identity flashed as a potential weekly fantasy factor, with multiple players rising as viable streaming options in leagues that prize sacks, turnovers, and big plays.