It seems Case Keenum has finally done enough to get Coach Mike Zimmer to completely change his tune.

While the Vikings’ coach still won’t flat-out name Keenum the No. 1 quarterback for the rest of the season, he has named Keenum the starter for next Sunday’s game against Atlanta.

Asked whether Keenum has solidified himself as the starter moving forward, Zimmer responded, “He will be the starter next week.”

The early nod comes after yet another surgical performance in which Keenum carved up the Detroit Lions for 282 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-23 victory Thursday.

Since taking over mid-game for the injured Sam Bradford a month and a half ago, Keenum has guided the Vikings on a seven-game winning streak, and with Keenum under center, the Vikings have opened up a comfortable three-game lead in the NFC North.

Not bad for an undrafted quarterback who seemed to have settled into life as a backup after five NFL seasons. But even with former starter Teddy Bridgewater back from a serious knee injury, Keenum has strengthened his grip on the Vikings’ starting job.

“I’ve used every experience I’ve ever had and pulled on different lessons I’ve learned and continued to learn,” Keenum explained. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. I’ve continued to try to get better and better and better. I’ve had a lot of experiences.”

In 10 games this season, Keenum has completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 2,476 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also has the highest total QBR of any active quarterback in the league (77.7).

To put that in perspective, Tom Brady of the Patriots is next with a total QBR of 72.6.

Bills: Receiver Kelvin Benjamin will not play against Kansas City because of an injured right knee.

The Bills said Benjamin did not travel with the team Saturday. He was hurt while being tackled on a 20-yard reception on Buffalo’s opening drive in a 54-24 loss to the Chargers last weekend.

Falcons: Running back Devonta Freeman has been ruled out for the second straight week with a concussion and won’t play against Tampa Bay.

Atlanta will rely again on Tevin Coleman and third-stringer Terron Ward. Freeman, the NFL’s highest-paid running back, looked good as he worked on the side during Friday’s practice. Quinn didn’t want to speculate if Freeman, who’s been in concussion protocol twice since preseason, will miss additional time.

Titans: Tennessee activated wide receiver Harry Douglas from injured reserve where he has been since the start of the season as he recovered from a knee injury.

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