Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Point Spread Pick

Atlanta Falcons (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
NFL Football Week 1
Date/Time: Sunday – September 8th – 1:00pm EST
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
TV: FOX

Point Spread: ATL +4/MINN -4 (BetAnySports)
Over/Under Total: 48

THIS SUNDAY’S MATCH-UP:

It’s finally here! The NFL has returned, and 32 teams feel they have a shot at taking home the Lombardi Trophy…okay, my bad, 31 teams, since the Miami Dolphins will be lucky to squeak out two wins this season. However, this game between the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings is a game where both teams have postseason and playoff aspirations. The Atlanta Falcons, on paper, have been one of the top teams In all of the NFL over the last few years but that has not resulted in a Super Bowl yet although it should have in 2016…but didn’t. The Vikings also come into 2019 with high hopes. ESPN has them ranked as the 7th best team in the NFL according to their Power Rankings, and they believe that they have the talent to compete for the NFC Title. The keys to this season for Minnesota will be its running game which is anchored by Dalvin Cook and the play of high priced quarterback, Kirk Cousins (Who so far has not lived up to the contract he received). Along with the run game and play of Cousins, the defense will need to get back to its form from a couple of years ago. Players like Anthony Barr and defensive end, Everson Griffen, will play a large part in the success of the Vikes in 2019. Minnesota comes into this game as a four-point favorite at home, but it feels like this game should be more of a toss-up than anything – time will tell.

HOW THE PUBLIC IS BETTING THE FALCONS AND VIKINGS:

Like I mentioned earlier, the Vikings are a four-point favorite over the Atlanta Falcons at home. As of late Tuesday afternoon, the betting public was leaning slightly in favor of the Falcons. 55% of the action was on Atlanta to win or keep the game within four while 45% thinks that the Minnesota Vikings will handle business on opening day. As for the total points of 48 combined, the public likes this game actually to stay under the total. 57% thinks the score stays under the total. This match is going to be a great game that will come down to a play late in the fourth quarter it is just a matter of which team makes that play.

WHY THE ATLANTA FALCONS WILL COVER AND WIN THE GAME:

The 2018 season for the Atlanta Falcons had so much promise. They were again a favorite among many experts to contend not only for the NFC South but the NFC as a whole. That was until the injuries started piling up almost immediately on the defensive side of the ball. Not only were defensive injuries pretty much the reason that the Falcons had such a bad 2018, but the play of the offensive line was also sub-par at best, No defense, bad O-Line…not many teams can overcome that no matter how many weapons you may have. Well, 2019 in Atlanta is a “do or die” season, especially for head coach, Dan Quinn. After the abysmal 2018 season, Dan Quinn was forced to make some major coaching moves. Offensive Coordinator, Steve Sarkisian was let go along with Defensive Coordinator, Marquan Manuel, and Special Teams coach, Keith Armstrong. Atlanta has revamped the staff and Quinn has named himself the Defensive Coordinator while on the offensive side of the ball, they bring back Dirk Koetter, who was once an Offensive Coordinator who had lots of success in Atlanta before heading to Tampa. Here is the deal…Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank wants a Super Bowl, and he wants it bad. I am not saying this season is “Super Bowl or Bust” for the Dirty Birds, but it is damn near close. If Atlanta misses the playoffs, Dan Quinn is as good as gone. Atlanta is looking for at least a deep playoff run, and it seems that everyone in the locker room is on the same page. This Sunday, Atlanta is just the better team. Better quarterback, better playmakers, better defense when healthy…the Falcons are just a better team. I not only like Atlanta to cover this spread, but I like Atlanta to win and win pretty convincingly in Minnesota.

HOW WILL THE GAME PLAY OUT ON SUNDAY:

The Falcons will come out early and try and prove that their offseason moves regarding the offensive line worked. You will see a heavy dose of Devonte Freeman, which will lead to the passing game opening up. Of course, when you have Matt Ryan calling the shots and a receiving tandem of Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohammed Sanu, things are not going to be easy for the defense, no matter how talented and experienced they may be. Yes, Minnesota has a good defense, especially up front but Atlanta is going to come in Sunday and send a message to the rest of the NFC that they are back. The Vikings will use their defensive line and linebackers to try and pressure Matt Ryan, but the Falcons offensive line knows all eyes are on them and I see them doing a good enough job to give Matty Ice time to find his weapons. I like Atlanta to control this game, especially in the second half on their way to a 27-14 win in Minnesota. Ryan will pass for over 300 yards while Devonte Freeman will show he is back racking up over 125 total yards and a score. It will be all Falcons all day…Write it down!

Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE ATLANTA FALCONS PLUS THE POINTS IN MINNESOTA THIS SUNDAY AND FOR A BONUS TAKE THE BIRDS TO WIN THIS GAME OUTRIGHT!!!