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Atlanta (0-1-0) at Minnesota (1-0-0)
- When: Sep 14 2025, 8:20 PM
- Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Where to watch: NBC
- Last Meeting: MIN 42-21, December 8th, 2024
Atlanta vs Minnesota Preview & Prediction
Spread: Minnesota -3.0
Moneyline: Minnesota (-16)
Total: 44.5
Minnesota Vikings: McCarthy’s Big Homecoming
J.J. McCarthy got his NFL career off to a wild start in Chicago, overcoming three rough quarters and an early pick-six to engineer a comeback win. Now, the rookie quarterback gets his first real taste of home-field advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium.
McCarthy showed poise under pressure, and with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison both healthy, the Vikings’ passing game could be dangerous against Atlanta’s secondary. The offense’s biggest test will be protecting McCarthy against an aggressive Falcons front.
Vikings Prop Pick: Justin Jefferson Over 6.5 receptions – He’s the go-to target when McCarthy gets in rhythm.
Atlanta Falcons: Penix Jr.’s Road Test
Michael Penix Jr. enters his fifth career start, and it comes in one of the loudest buildings in the NFL. Penix looked sharp in Week 1 with nearly 300 passing yards, but Atlanta’s run game was nonexistent, with Bijan Robinson bottled up.
The Falcons will need balance to give Penix breathing room, but Minnesota’s Brian Flores-led defense is built to pressure young quarterbacks. Look for Penix to air it out often, given the matchup.
Falcons Prop Pick: Michael Penix Jr. Over 1.5 passing touchdowns – He’ll be forced to throw to keep Atlanta alive.
Prediction
Both quarterbacks have intriguing storylines, but Minnesota’s crowd, Jefferson’s playmaking, and McCarthy’s poise tilt this matchup slightly in the Vikings’ favor. Atlanta’s lack of a running game is a real concern here.
Final Score: Vikings 24, Falcons 20
Lean: Minnesota -3.0
Total: Under 44.5
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
