This week 14 showdown in Minnesota is a tale of teams trending in opposite directions. The Vikings capped off their fifth straight win with a 23-22 fourth quarter comeback against Arizona last week and look primed for a playoff spot at 10-2 on the year.

Atalanta, on the other hand, hit a new low in their third straight loss last week, 17-13 against the Chargers, but they still lead the terrible NFC South division with a 6-6 record.

Minnesota is a five-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with the total pegged at 45.5.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

These teams met in early November last year, with the Vikings winning 31-28. While Kirk Cousins was still on Minnesota’s roster, he had already played his last game in a Vikings jersey after suffering a season-ending ACL injury the week prior. Joshua Dobbs threw two TD passes in the win, but he’s now in San Francisco backing up Brock Purdy.

Minnesota has been the better cover option this season at 7-4-1 against the spread, while Atlanta is 5-7 ATS. The Vikings, however, tend to struggle in cold weather and have failed to cover in eight straight December games. That shouldn’t be an issue in the enclosed U.S. Bank Stadium.

Both teams have played the Under in eight of 12 games. That might be the play again this week as the total has gone Under in four of Minnesota’s last five home dates, while the Falcons have finished below the number in five of their last six overall.

Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins easily played his worst game of the season last week, failing to complete a touchdown pass while matching a career-high with four interceptions. Atlanta’s last two possessions both ended in picks by Cousins when a touchdown would have won the game. Over his last three games, Cousins has thrown six interceptions and no TDs. There’s been a call to start rookie Michael Penix Jr., although head coach Raheem Morris has said the team has no intention of benching Cousins.

Throwing four interceptions is obviously a terrible look, but Cousins’ other numbers actually looked OK last week as he completed 23 of 39 passes (61.5 per cent) for 245 yards. This week could be a slump-buster for Cousins. Keep in mind, the Vikings’ five-game win streak has come against the Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Bears and Cardinals, who have a combined record of just 21-40. Minnesota should still win, but Atlanta can cover the number.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings rallied from a 13-point deficit against the Cardinals last week and didn’t take their first lead until 1:13 remaining in the game. Sam Darnold connected on 21 of 31 passes (67.7 per cent) for 235 yards, 104 coming in the fourth quarter, and two TDs. It was Darnold’s third straight game without an interception after throwing three picks a month ago against Jacksonville.

A big concern right now has to be the pass protection of Darnold, who has been sacked 36 times this season, fifth-most in the NFL. Danrold has been sacked eight times over the last two games, including five sacks against Arizona. This week should offer a bit of a breather for Darnold and the Vikings as Atlanta is dead last in the NFL with just 15 sacks on the year.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Falcons vs. Vikings?