Five things to know before today’s Vikings at Falcons kickoff

Here are five things to know before today’s 1 p.m. kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) and the Atlanta Falcons (7-4):

1. TRUFANT OUT: Desmond Trufant, the Falcons' top cornerback, was ruled out on Friday by coach Dan Quinn. Trufant remains in the NFL concussion-protocol program. He was hit by teammate Keanu Neal in the 34-20 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

2. RETURN OF FREEMAN: Running back Devonta Freeman is set to return to action after missing the past two games while in the league's concussion protocol.

3. MATCHUP TO WATCH: Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Jones is coming off 253-yard game against the Bucs. Rhodes slowed Jones is games in 2014 and 2015.

4. SERIES HISTORY: This will be the 28th meeting. The Vikings lead 17-10. The Vikings won the last meeting 20-10 on Nov. 29, 2015 at the Georgia Dome.

5. GRIFFEN WATCH: Minnesota's Everson Griffen is tied for the league lead in sacks with 12. Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews will have his hands full.

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