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Jeremy Perry
Falcons vs. Vikings Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings will both enter the 2019 NFL season with increased
expectations after disappointing a year ago. However, only one of those NFC playoff contenders
will be able to open the season with a win.
The Vikings, which only barely missed the postseason a year ago when they went 8-7-1, will be
looking to make a statement in front of their home fans to set the tone for the season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is coming off a difficult 7-9 season but appears – at least on paper – to have
the pieces in place to contend for a playoff spot beginning with a tough road matchup in Week
1. Here is a closer look at the matchup.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Atlanta treaded around the .500 mark on the road last season before ultimately finishing with a
3-5 record as the visiting team. The Falcons are certainly hoping for a better start after they won
only one of their first five games to open last season. Atlanta opened 1-4 straight up before
going 6-3 the rest of the way. The Falcons owned an NFL-worst 5-11 record against the spread
last season.
Meanwhile, Minnesota went 8-7-1 straight up and 8-7-1 against the spread last season. The
Vikings also stumbled out of the gate with just one win in their first four games before going 7-5
the rest of the way to finish one game above .500. Minnesota went 5-3 at U.S. Bank Stadium last
season.
Atlanta Falcons
There is no doubt that the Atlanta offense has the opportunity to be one of the best in the NFL.
But can they stay healthy and play to their potential in order to dominate their competition? Or
will they struggle with inconsistency once again this season?
The Matt Ryan-Julio Jones connection is back for the ninth consecutive season. It won’t be easy but that tandem believes it
can top the 1,677 yards and eight scores it connected for a year ago. Meanwhile, running back
Devonta Freeman returns after being limited to just two games last season. If Freeman can stay
healthy, he could have a bounce back year.
The Falcons defense is what seems to make or break this team’s success. A slew of season-long
injuries crippled their unit last season but they’ll be looking to rebound now that guys like Keanu
Neal and Deion Jones are back. The Minnesota offense should provide a good test for them in
Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings
There is no doubt that the Vikings are talented enough to make the postseason in the NFC. After
last year’s disappointment, it will be important to start the season on a winning note.
Look for the Minnesota offense to focus more on a tough run game this season. The team hired
former head coach Gary Kubiak and he’s been known to implement strong rushing attacks.
Running back Dalvin Cook has the potential to flourish in the Vikings revamped offense while
wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen explode with big plays in the passing game.
Head coach Mike Zimmer’s defenses have consistently ranked among the best in the league.
That shouldn’t change this year with a talented group that will be put in position to succeed with
the offense doing its best to keep them off the field with a renewed commitment to the run
game. The Vikings should be able to figure out a way to do just enough to earn an important win
at home this weekend.
ATL
MIN