NFL Photos: Falcons vs. Vikings

Atlanta Falcons

NFL Photos: Falcons vs. Vikings

Atlanta Falcons need only beat the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome to clinch a playoff berth, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008.

Falcons fan Wendy Adams, 23, from Atlanta, dangles a Viking helmet from a chain as she snaps a photo of quarterback Matt Ryan as the team takes the Metrodome field to face the Vikings in Minneapolis Sunday. The Falcons were aware a loss by Tampa Bay earlier in the day gave them the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth with a win.

tight end Justin Peelle (87) picks up 8 yards as he stiff-arms Vikings safety Darren Sharper.

Falcons linebacker (59) Michael Boley recovers the first of two fumbles by Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The Falcons scored 10 points off Vikings turnovers in the first half.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson fumbles the ball as he is hit by Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann.

Falcons defensive end Chauncey Davis recovers a fumble by Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. The Vikings had seven fumbles in the game.

Falcons running back Jerious Norwood sprints into the end zone past Vikings linebacker Ben Leber to give the Falcons a 14-7 lead.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson commits his second fumble.

Falcons running back Michael Turner finished the game with 70 yards rushing and score -- his 16th touchdown of the season.

Vikings quarterback Tavaris Jackson is pressured by Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson. Jackson threw for 233 yards and two scores and rushed for 76 yards, but also had a fumble at the Atlanta 16.

Falcons defenders swarm Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, the league's leading rusher. Peterson was held to 76 yards on 22 attempts.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) loses the ball as he leaps over Vikings linebacker Ben Leber (51) on a 4-yard scramble to the 1-yard line. The ball was recovered by Justin Blalock in the end zone for a Falcons score to extend Atlanta's lead by 21 in the third quarter.

Falcons guard Justin Blalock (far left) lunges for a Matt Ryan fumbled ball in the end zone. Blalock would recover the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Falcons guard Justin Blalock (63) comes down on the pile a recovers the lose ball.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith signals a score after the Justin Blalock fumble recovery in the end zone.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith reacts to cornerback Domonique Foxworth breaking up a pass that gives the Falcons control of the ball in the closing seconds and a victory over the Vikings.

Quarterback Matt Ryan joyously walks off the field as the Falcons returned to the playoffs for first time since the 2004 season.

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Falcons fan Wendy Adams, 23, from Atlanta, dangles a Viking helmet from a chain as she snaps a photo of quarterback Matt Ryan as the team takes the Metrodome field to face the Vikings in Minneapolis Sunday. The Falcons were aware a loss by Tampa Bay earlier in the day gave them the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth with a win.

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