Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 9 game
The Minnesota Vikings (4-4) put their surprising three-game win streak on the line in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons (4-4) in a road game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Vikings beat the Chicago Bears, then the mighty San Francisco 49ers and capped off their streak with a victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. But in last week's game, they lost quarterback Kirk Cousins to a torn Achilles, the same injury that knocked out Aaron Rodgers earlier this year. They picked up Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs ahead of the trade deadline and have rookie Jaren Hall available.
The Falcons, meanwhile, dropped last week's game to the Tennessee Titans even with star rookie running back Bijan Robinson back in the lineup. Coach Arthur Smith swapped out struggling quarterback Desmond Ridder for veteran Taylor Heinicke. Atlanta's defense allowed 375 yards of offense and Tennessee's own rookie, Will Levis, threw four touchdowns.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Falcons vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under
The Falcons are favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Spread: Falcons (-3.5)
Moneyline: Falcons (-200); Vikings (+165)
Over/under: 37
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NFL Week 9 odds, predictions and picks
Steelers vs. Titans | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Falcons vs. Vikings | Ravens vs. Seahawks | Browns vs. Cardinals | Packers vs. Rams | Texans vs. Buccaneers | Patriots vs. Commanders | Saints vs. Bears | Panthers vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Giants | Eagles vs. Cowboys | Bengals vs. Bills | Jets vs. Chargers
Lorenzo Reyes: Falcons 17, Vikings 14
It’s a shame the Kirk Cousins injury happened when it did, as the Vikings were just coming on. Still, there are a lot of elements about this Vikings team that I still like: namely, a physical defense that does well against the rush. The Falcons are simply all over the place and at only 2-5 against the spread, not a reliable play, especially when the line approaches a touchdown.
Tyler Dragon: Falcons 21, Vikings 20
The Vikings were dealt a crippling blow with the injury to quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles). Cousins is done for the year and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is on injured reserve. The Vikings are just playing for pride at this point. Their playoff hopes are finished.
Safid Deen: Falcons 20, Vikings 10
Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury ended any real hope for Minnesota this season. While you never know which Falcons team will show up every week, they’ll have enough offense to edge out the Vikings at home.
Victoria Hernandez: Falcons 24, Vikings 19
While the Falcons have their fair share of unknowns, losing Kirk Cousins while Justin Jefferson is also out is a major blow to the Vikings. Whether Desmond Ridder or Taylor Heinicke starts, Atlanta should be able to pull off the home win.
Jordan Mendoza: Falcons 20, Vikings 16
Both teams have questions at quarterback for different reasons, so this game should be a low-scoring affair. The Falcons are able to take advantage of the injury-riddled Vikings offense to get back to a winning a record.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons: Game predictions, picks, odds
