Matt Ryan tossed three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons preserved their division title hopes with a 24-14 home win over the short-handed Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

The Falcons (7-4) dominated early and took a 17-0 lead into halftime, but the Vikings (3-8) didn't lay down despite playing without star running back Adrian Peterson (ankle).

After crossing the 50 only once previously in the contest, Minnesota reeled off a 14-play, 80-yard scoring drive to get on the board in the third quarter. The 14-play drive matched a season long.

Atlanta has won five of six to stay in the NFC South race, moving within a half-game of division leader New Orleans, which plays Monday night against the New York Giants.

The Vikings have lost three straight.

Ryan got the Falcons off to a great start with touchdown passes to Harry Douglas and Roddy White in the first half, and he sealed the win with a 3-yard toss to Michael Palmer with 6:44 left. White had 10 catches for 120 yards.

Ryan improved to 24-4 at home in his career with 44 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. The Falcons improved to 20-0 when he has a rating over 100.

Percy Harvin had a big game for Minnesota with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown along with a 104-yard kickoff return, matching a franchise record.