Falcons at Vikings: Will Michael Vick Drama Overshadow the Game?

To get you ready for week 1, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Atlanta Falcons/Minnesota Vikings preview.

2006 Records: (Click names for 2007 preview)

Atlanta Falcons: 7-9 (Third in NFC South)
Minnesota Vikings: 6-10 (Third in NFC North)

2006 Head-to-Head:

No game. (Falcons 30 - Vikings 10 in 2005)

When the Falcons have the ball: Warrick Dunn has been cleared to play and will start for Atlanta; Jerious Norwood will see an increased load and Joe Horn will makes his Falcons debut. All those are exciting things for Atlanta fans, but none of them will be the big story of the day.

Unfortunately, the spotlight will be on Joey Harrington, but not because it's his first regular season game as a Falcon. As we'll no doubt be subject to for nearly three hours, the reason he commands the most attention is because of the man he's replacing. Because the very first time he takes a snap from under center it officially marks the end of the Michael Vick-era in Atlanta.

When the Vikings have the ball: If you're not excited about the Adrian Peterson/Falcons rush defense match-up, check your pulse. For me, this is the highlight of the game and I'm anything but a Vikings fan. The adrenaline will be coursing through his body in ways most fans can not fathom, and he'll be forced to unload that on the leagues stingiest run defense. It doesn't get much better than that.

The 24 year-old Tarvaris Jackson will also begin his first full season as the Vikings starting quarterback. He'll be going up against a secondary that ranked near the bottom of the league last year, but has been extremely committed to improving this offseason.

The Edge: Experts, analysts and fans are always looking for the "edge" and what team has it. Given the drama centered on the Falcons and the youthful excitement of the Vikings, you'd have to give them the nod. That's not to say that Atlanta will be completely distracted by the Vick nonsense, but there is no denying that it's inescapable for them either.

Keep an eye on:

Fullback Tony Richardson versus Falcons linebackers - Seems like a boring thing to watch, doesn't it? But it's won't be -- take my word for it.

Falcons' rookie Jamaal Anderson - Adrian Peterson won't be the only rookie looking to make a huge impact during this game.

The Cheerleaders - Why not? Both teams have a dazzling squad.

Notes: Do yourself a favor and watch this game on mute. The game itself should be quite entertaining, but listening to it might prove to be a tad difficult. No one wants to hear about Vick anymore.