In primetime, the Vikings were punched in the mouth 22-6 by Atlanta, dropping to 1-1 as McCarthy’s second NFL start yielded little spark. O’Connell owned the misstep, pledging sharper preparation and cleaner execution across all phases on a short week. Minnesota now faces a stern stretch with Cincinnati at home, then Pittsburgh and Cleveland before Philadelphia visits, with a closing nod to Packers chatter that could influence divisional pressure and fantasy reads.

The result underscores a must-improve game plan and coaching clarity as Minnesota searches for offensive rhythm and defensive resilience. Fantasy managers should monitor how the Vikings retool their attack and which players gain clearer roles as this slate tightens and divisional dynamics heat up.