Let’s see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Vikings 18, Falcons 16 – Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com
At first blush, this game feels as though it could catapult these teams, who are each working through major changes at the quarterback position, in different directions. Atlanta turns to a likable journeyman in Taylor Heinicke, who has rallied teams midway through past seasons and has the talent around him to do it again. Rookie Jaren Hall will likely get the start for Minnesota, with newly acquired Joshua Dobbs waiting in the wings. Man, both of these rosters feature talented playmakers on offense, and it’s a matter of which quarterback can be the best point guard. Any sane person would take the home team with the veteran quarterback, but two months into this thing, surprises still seem to hit me in the mouth. So, sure – give me the Vikings. I can imagine them making just enough plays on both sides of the ball to eke out a win.
Falcons 27, Vikings 13 – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The Vikings will start rookie Jaren Hall in this game, which will be a challenge for their offense. Atlanta could be making a change at quarterback as well since Desmond Ridder was benched last week. The Falcons will limit Hall and win this game — no matter who plays quarterback for them.
Falcons 23, Vikings 16 – Staff, Bleacher Report
On Tuesday, the Vikings acquired seven-year veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals, but they’ll prepare rookie Jaren Hall to start against the Atlanta Falcons.
Obviously, Dobbs needs time to learn the Vikings playbook, so it makes sense for Minnesota to start Hall, who’s been with the team since the offseason. The rookie signal-caller has a tough matchup with the Falcons eighth-ranked pass defense.
Yes, Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns against the Falcons last week, but the Kentucky product came into the NFL as a far more promising prospect than Hall, a fifth-round pick out of BYU.
Our crew unanimously sided with the Falcons, and [Bleacher Report NFL analyst Maurice] Moton isn’t worried about Atlanta’s change at quarterback.
“The Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder, which is a move that may help them string together some wins starting with the Vikings on Sunday,” Moton said.
“Between Weeks 6 and 7, Ridder turned the ball over six times with three interceptions and three fumbles. Heinicke doesn’t have Ridder’s upside, but he’ll protect the football and should be able to make timely throws to wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts while running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier grind out yards on the ground.
“Hall won’t have the same rookie success as Levis did last week. The Falcons defense bounces back with a couple of turnovers and pulls away from the Vikings to win comfortably.”
2023-11-02 19:37:22
#Vikings #Fly #South #Face #Falcons #Road #Underdogs
