Falcons vs. Vikings Prediction: Vikings Defense to Pick up From Where They Left Off

• The Atlanta Falcons were held to just 20 points in a loss to Tampa Bay in week one

• Atlanta’s running back Bijan Robinson averaged two yards per carry on 12 attempts

• Minnesota’s defense ranked top-3 in Def DVOA, EPA, and in Success Rate last season

After struggling to get into a groove in their week one matchup against Chicago, the Minnesota Vikings' defense managed to round back into form in the fourth quarter and helped spark their comeback. With the Atlanta Falcons' offensive line struggling to hold their ground, expect the Vikings to continue to create pressure and stall out their drives at a consistent rate.

For more NFL Week 2 insights, take a look at our NFL offense rankings, as well as NFL defense rankings.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Get up to $1,500 back in the form of bonus bets* should you lose your first wager after creating an account with the WSN promo code WSNSPORTS.

*21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements.

Falcons vs. Vikings My Pick

• My Pick: Falcons Team Total Under 20.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Just when it looked like negative regression was rearing its ugly head over Minnesota’s defense, the Vikings managed to find their footing late in their contest against Chicago and suffocated the Bears offense for the final 15 minutes. Their performance mirrored last year’s results as the Vikings ranked top-3 in Def DVOA, EPA, and in Success Rate in 2024.

In Monday night’s matchup against Atlanta, the Vikings' front seven will have the opportunity to build on their momentum as they should face minimal resistance in their efforts of collapsing their pocket. In week one against Tampa Bay, the Falcons struggled to hold their ground as they finished the contest ranked below league average in Pass Protection Win Rate.

The Vikings' pressure through the interior will also continue to give Bijan Robinson fits as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year contender was held to just two yards per carry on 12 attempts. This will force the Falcons into a pass heavy game script, allowing the Vikings to anchor their linebackers which will help reduce the quality of Michael Penix Jr’s passing lanes.

Use WSNSPORTS at BetMGM for $1,500 Bonus

Falcons vs. Vikings Prediction

Atlanta Falcons Preview

Heading into the year, Atlanta’s offense was projected to be one of the more dynamic units in the league due to their deep group of skill players. Unfortunately for the Falcons, their success falls on the shoulders of Michael Penix Jr who has struggled with his consistency as he finished week one’s contest ranked below league average in Completion Percentage Above Expected.

The Falcons' offensive line plays a major role in his struggles as their lack of protection lessens the time Penix has in the pocket to let his plays develop. When under pressure, Penix is forced to throw into low-quality windows which increases the defense's chances of generating Havoc. Expect the Vikings' pressure to slow down the Falcons and hold them under their team total.

Claim $1,500 in Bonus Bets at BetMGM

Minnesota Vikings Preview

Like their defense, JJ McCarthy also got off to a slow start in Monday night’s NFC North divisional matchup against Chicago as he finished the first half completing just 5-8 of his passes for a total of 48 yards. The former Michigan Wolverine hit his stride in the second half as he capped off the comeback throwing for 143 yards and two touchdowns while punching in another one with his legs.

Expect McCarthy to continue to thrive against Atlanta in week two as he faces off against a defense who ranked below league average in Def DVOA. Especially with his offensive line giving him the protection he needs to help increase the quality of his throws as the Vikings' front ranked above league average in PFF Grade and in Pass Protection Win Rate.

Claim $1,500 Bonus Offer at BetMGM

Falcons vs. Vikings Injuries

Atlanta Falcons

• Drake London - Questionable

• Darnell Mooney - Questionable

Minnesota Vikings

• Christian Darrisaw - Questionable

• Blake Cashman - Questionable

• Harrison Smith - Questionable

Falcons vs. Vikings: Best Promos and Sportsbooks

All of the best NFL sportsbooks are offering odds for the Falcons vs Vikings SNF matchup in Week 2. In the table below, you can find our selection of the best NFL betting promos available today.

*21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

How to Watch Falcons vs. Vikings

• When: September 14, 8:20 pm EST

• Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• How to Watch: NBC

More NFL Week 2 Stories

Falcons vs Vikings Prop Bets SNF Week 2

Falcons vs Vikings Same Game Parlay SNF Week 2

Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions in Week 2

NFL Week 2 Picks Against the Spread