Minnesota Vikings: 3 takeaways from Week 12

What we learned about the Vikings:

1. Running back Adrian Peterson has returned to form after missing the majority of last season while suspended. Peterson rushed for 158 yards and sealed the Vikings' win over Atlanta with a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Peterson had two touchdowns in the game against a Falcons' defense that was ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the run entering Sunday.

2. The Vikings don't appear to going away and regained first place in the NFC North by themselves in Sunday's convincing 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Minnesota bounced back from last week's loss to Green Bay and moved back atop the division, thanks to the Chicago Bears' upset of the Packers on Thanksgiving. Staying on top, however, will be challenging for the Vikings, who face a difficult closing stretch to the season. Minnesota hosts Seattle next week, followed by a game at high-powered Arizona. The Vikings close at Green Bay in Week 17.

3. The secondary, even without injured starting safety Harrison Smith, held its own against Atlanta's passing attack featuring quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes held Jones to 59 yards and no touchdowns, and corners Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn each had interceptions.

Etc.:

--S Harrison Smith was inactive with a left injury against the Falcons. Antone Exum Jr. started in Harrison's place and helped the Viking secondary hold the Falcons to 230 yards. Atlanta's lone touchdown came with less than two minutes to play, after the outcome had been decided.

--LB Anthony Barr forced two fumbles and broke up a potential big pass play against the Falcons. Barr chased down Atlanta running back Tevin Coleman after a long run and stripped him of the football from behind. In the fourth quarter, Barr dislodged the ball free from Coleman on a deep pass to prevent a big play and then caused a fumble by quarterback Matt Ryan on a 4th and 1 with five minutes to play.

--QB Teddy Bridgewater completed 20 of 28 passes for 174 yards with no touchdowns and an interception against the Falcons. Bridgewater was not sacked.