Minnesota Vikings vs Atlanta Falcons Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 12/8/24, 9:08 AM  by Travis Pulver in NFL Picks

The Minnesota Vikings will put their five-game winning streak on the line Sunday when their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, brings his new team, the Atlanta Falcons, to town. Kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. When the betting line opened prior to the start of the season, the Falcons were listed as the betting favorite at -1. But since then, the line has shifted so much that the two teams have switched roles: Atlanta is now the underdog and can be found at +6 (via DraftKings), while Minnesota is a 5.5-point favorite.

The season hasn’t exactly played out as expected for either team. Expectations were not high for the Vikings when Sam Darnold was named the starting quarterback. As for the Falcons, now that they would have a veteran quarterback and an accomplished passer running the offense, the sky was the limit. But, as it turns out, the Vikings have thrived with Darnold at quarterback and will take a 10-2 record (tied with the Eagles for second-best in the NFC) into the game. Atlanta has not become the pass-happy team anyone thought it would be, with Cousins throwing bombs to Drake London and Kyle Pitts while Bijan Robinson punished defenses with a bruising run game.

While the Falcons have had some highs, they’ve had just as many lows. Hence, taking a 6-6 record and a three-game losing streak into this game. A win over a former team is what Cousins needs to light a fire under him for the rest of the regular season.