Expert prediction
NFL Week 9: Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons Odds, and Picks (Nov 5)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Vikings beat the Packers 24-10 in week 8.
- The Falcons lost 23-28 to the Titans on Sunday.
- These teams last met in 2020 with the Falcons winning 40-23.
The 4-4 Minnesota Vikings take on the 4-4 Atlanta Falcons with both teams exploring new options at quarterback. The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to injury last week and the Falcons have opted to bench Desmond Ridder for week 9.
How To Watch
- FOX
Game Preview
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on the torn Achilles he suffered against Green Bay. Rookie Jaren Hall is set to start in week 9 despite the team signing Joshua Dobbs from Arizona. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has to miss one more game following his placement on the IR back in week 5. Alexander Mattison has continued to disappoint as the lead running back and he could cede more work to Cam Akers after an impressive couple of outings for the former Ram.
The Falcons will have Taylor Heinicke under center in week 9, despite Desmond Ridder being medically cleared to play. The change at quarterback should see an uptick in usage for the Atlanta receiving corps, with Heinicke historically offering a lot of passing attempts. WR Drake London missed practice on Wednesday with a groin injury and the sophomore’s status will need monitoring ahead of their week 9 matchup.
Prediction
This is a tough matchup to predict given the shake up both sides are facing. If Joshua Dobbs was given the nod for the Vikings I would probably side with them, but as things stand with Hall set to start I can’t see it happening. Atlanta should have enough to win here.
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