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5 NFL teams on upset alert for Week 13

By Cody Williams

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings rebounded off of a loss just two weeks ago to firmly handle the Atlanta Falcons last week. Not only has Adrian Peterson continually looked like the best running back in the NFL throughout the season, but the Minnesota defense has actually been one of the fiercest units in the entire league. They’ll be at home in Week 13 for their matchup, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be on upset alert, though.

It’ll be the Seattle Seahawks coming into town to face the Vikings on Sunday afternoon and they’ve unquestionably been one of the hottest teams in the league over the past two weeks. Russell Wilson seems to be hitting his groove in the passing game at a level that we haven’t seen from him in quite some time. Meanwhile, the emergence of rookie running back Thomas Rawls has been as staggering as it has been impressive. But their recent level of performance isn’t even the primary reason why they have a great chance to knock off Minnesota in this game.

As I said regarding Peterson, the Vikings back has been the best at his position throughout the league all season. Also one of the best in the league, though, is the Seahawks run defense that is fifth in the league to this point of the season in terms of rushing yards allowed per game. The way to attack the Seahawks, as surprising as it may be, is to attack them through the air. With the inconsistency of Teddy Bridgewater this season for the Vikings, it’s hard to have faith that he’ll be able to capitalize on the Seattle defense’s biggest weakness. Subsequently, it’s hard to see a Vikings team with a two-game lead on Seattle in the NFC standings being able to topple the Seahawks with out Seattle is playing.

Next: No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs

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