Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings: Preview, prediction and odds
The Vikings host the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Read our in-depth preview.
Table of Contents
Preview for Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
Two quarterbacks who once met on the biggest stage in college football will face off in primetime on Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy claimed victory in his first start on Monday as Minnesota fought back to beat the Chicago Bears on the road. For McCarthy, it marked a successful end to a long wait for his NFL debut, the former Michigan signal-caller having missed his entire rookie year due to a torn meniscus suffered in the 2024 preseason.
McCarthy was taken two spots after Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr, whom Atlanta sensationally selected despite signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative free agent contract earlier that offseason.
Penix was taken eighth overall, and after replacing Cousins and impressing late last season, is now the full-time starter, though Week 1 ended in disappointment for Atlanta as the Falcons lost a thriller to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite a Penix touchdown run putting them ahead with just over two minutes to play.
Atlanta will be desperate not to fall into an 0-2 hole, and Penix will have extra motivation to get the better of McCarthy. Penix was the quarterback for the Washington Huskies in the National Championship Game at the end of the 2023 college season, but was unable to avoid defeat to McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines.
In addition dealing with a raucous Minnesota crowd, Penix will have to overcome an aggressive Viking defense if he is to get the better of McCarthy this time around. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is renowned for sending consistent waves of pressure at opposing quarterbacks, and he’ll look to confuse the still relatively inexperienced Penix early and often in this one.
Aiding Penix’s cause is the fact that three Vikings starters are injury doubts. Cornerback Jeff Okudah and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel are both dealing with concussions, while inside linebacker Blake Cashman has a hamstring issue that will keep him out four games after he was placed on injured reserve.
Penix will hope that receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney can shake off shoulder issues, but Atlanta’s best route to negating the aggressiveness of the Minnesota defense may be running back Bijan Robinson, who took a short pass 50 yards for the game’s opening touchdown against the Buccaneers. Robinson had 100 yards receiving, but was held in check as a runner.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons will hope to do a better job of getting home on pressures than they did in Week 1, when they sacked Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield just once.
Atlanta’s heavy offseason investment in the pass rush did not pay dividends in that game, with rookie first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. unable to affect Mayfield.
Pressuring McCarthy into mistakes in his first home start may ultimately be the Falcons’ best avenue to a road win.
However, McCarthy’s confidence is likely to be high after he accounted for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 27-24 defeat of the Bears. If he gets enough time to find the likes of Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, it could be a very long and disappointing evening for the Falcons.
Prediction for Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta’s inability to put away the Bucs last week represented a huge missed opportunity, and the Falcons now face one of the most imposing road trips in the NFL. Flores is sure to throw a lot at Penix, and the smart money says it will be too much for him to handle.
Prediction: Falcons 22-30 Vikings
How to watch Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
The Falcons-Vikings matchup kicks off at 8:20pm ET. It will be nationally broadcast on NBC.
The game can be streamed on Peacock and on NFL +.
Best betting offers for Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling:
- Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org
- CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV or WY – Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- AZ- Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP
- IA – Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
- KS, NV – Call 1-800-522-4700
- KY – Call 1-800 GAMBLER, 18+
- MI – Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help
- MA – Call 1-800-327-5050
- NC – Call – 1-800-662-4357
- NY- Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and is is important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and guides are rated 21+ only.
The following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
21+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER