Before last season’s NFC championship game, the Vikings had won four straight vs. the Falcons, dating back to 1987.

WHEN THE VIKINGS HAVE THE BALL:

Some Vikings observers have grumbled about the offense’s struggles in the preseason, but there is little doubt that Minnesota will light up scoreboards again in ’99. QB Randall Cunningham returns, and this season he has rifle-armed Jeff George as his backup. George has looked especially strong in the preseason, so the Vikings appear to be in good shape if anything happens to Cunningham.

The Vikings’ WR corps is tremendously talented. Randy Moss looks to build off his amazing rookie season. The Falcons will likely put Pro Bowl CB Ray Buchanan on Moss. Buchanan stymied Moss in the second half of the NFC championship game. But with Buchanan occupied, the Falcons could struggle vs. Cris Carter and Jake Reed, who figures to get a few more chances in ’99 than he did last season. Talented but inconsistent nickel DB Michael Booker has the size to contend with Carter and Reed, so CB Ronnie Bradford could be in for a busy afternoon.

RBs Robert Smith and David Palmer bring explosiveness to the Vikings’ attack, while Leroy Hoard is an effective short-yardage runner. They will have to earn yardage vs. an Atlanta "D" that finished No. 2 in the NFL vs. the run last season.

Minnesota’s offensive line is as good as they come. C Jeff Christy, OLG Randall McDaniel and OLT Todd Steussie all made the Pro Bowl last season. Bulky Korey Stringer and David Dixon man the right side. But the Falcons’ defensive line is a fine unit as well, led by underrated but highly effective DLT Travis Hall. This may be one of the better battles in the trenches all season long.

WHEN THE FALCONS HAVE THE BALL:

Atlanta’s offense revolves around the power running of Jamal Anderson. Lead blocker Bob Christian, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, returns, as does explosive Byron Hanspard, who missed the entire ’98 campaign. The Vikings’ run defense is without Jerry Ball, now with Cleveland, but young NT Tony Williams has impressed in the preseason, and John Randle moves back inside to tackle to wreak havoc.

The Falcons’ best chance vs. the Vikings may be through the air, since Minnesota’s CB situation is less than sound. Jimmy Hitchcock is coming off a career year, but he does not have great speed. However, that may not be a liability against a Falcons WR corps that lacks a proven deep threat. On the other side, Ramos McDonald steps into the starting lineup. Look for QB Chris Chandler to test McDonald early and often. WR Terance Mathis is the unquestioned No. 1 target, while fellow starter Chris Calloway (high-ankle sprain; check status) is little more than a possession receiver.

OLT Bob Whitfield is very talented, but the rest of Atlanta’s line is ordinary. Randle could have a field day vs. OLG Calvin Collins, whom the Falcons have thought about replacing.

Game preview and depth charts were compiled as of Aug. 29, 1999

Vikings schedule

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

* Rookie