Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons 11/5/23 – As the NFL season progresses towards its midpoint, two teams with congruent records are poised for a pivotal confrontation. The Minnesota Vikings are slated to compete against the Atlanta Falcons in a significant Week 9 encounter. With both teams standing at a 4-4 record, the outcome of this game holds substantial implications for their playoff prospects. We shall now delve into our NFL picks today for this matchup.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons
Date & Time: Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV: FOX
Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons 11/5/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Vikings | -109 | +0.5 (-109) | 41.5 over (-111) |
| Falcons | -115 | -0.5 (-114) | 41.5 under (-111) |
Minnesota Vikings Analysis
Offensively, the Vikings have shown a reliable and consistent performance this season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins boasts impressive stats with a 68.9% completion rate and a 101.7 passer rating. His 2057 passing yards in just seven games prove he’s on fire this season. The Cousins-Jefferson connection has been a particularly lethal combination, with Jefferson amassing 571 receiving yards and averaging a remarkable 114.2 yards per game. The offense, however, could use more dynamism in their ground game, as Alexander Mattison has yet to register a touchdown despite rushing for 359 yards.
Defensively, the Vikings have held their ground in many games, but there’s undeniable room for improvement. A key concern is their offensive line which has permitted Cousins to be sacked 15 times this season, highlighting vulnerabilities against aggressive defensive lines. The secondary will also need to be on alert, especially with the Falcons’ potent aerial attack. They must tighten up their defenses and ensure they control the game’s pace to seal a win.
Atlanta Falcons Analysis
For the Falcons, their offense has seen flashes of brilliance but lacks consistent execution. Quarterback Desmond Ridder, though displaying commendable skills, has an equal number of touchdowns to interceptions, which raises concerns about decision-making under pressure. Bijan Robinson has been their star on the ground, averaging 5 yards per carry and accumulating 404 yards in total. The connection between Ridder and wide receiver Drake London has been noteworthy. Yet, for them to penetrate the Vikings’ defense, this duo will need to be at their absolute best, showcasing better coordination and timing.
On the defensive front, the Falcons need to regroup and strategize effectively against the Vikings. The fact that Ridder has been sacked 20 times this season indicates a glaring weakness in the offensive line’s protection. The defensive line, on the other hand, will need to apply pressure on Cousins, given his exceptional form. To ensure they leverage their home advantage, the Falcons must fortify their defenses, ensuring they’re impregnable both in the air and on the ground.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons Against the Spread
The Minnesota Vikings have showcased a strong recent form against the spread, going 4-1 ATS in their last five games. Their total has remained under in 6 of their last matches, which is a trend worth noting for bettors. Against Atlanta, the Vikings have been dominant recently, with a 4-1 ATS and straight-up record in their last five encounters.
On the flip side, Atlanta’s recent performance hasn’t been too kind to bettors, going 1-6 ATS in their last seven games. However, the Falcons have a strong home record, going 5-1 straight-up in their last six home games. One trend that stands out is that the total has gone under in 8 of Atlanta’s last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Vikings -109
With their offensive strengths and recent form, the Vikings seem to have the edge.
Spread: Vikings +0.5 (-109)
Given the Vikings’ recent dominance over Atlanta and their strong performance ATS, they are the safe bet here.
Total: 41.5 under (-111)
With both teams showing strong trends of games going under recently, especially in matchups against each other, the under seems to be the safer bet.
Predicted Score: Minnesota Vikings 21, Atlanta Falcons 17
In conclusion, while both teams are evenly matched in terms of their season record, the Vikings seem to have the slight edge based on recent performances and player stats. For those looking for a reliable pick to bet on, the Vikings on the Moneyline might be the way to go. For those using a Canadian online sportsbook, it’s always essential to ensure you place bets responsibly.
