Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings 10/18/20 - NFL Picks & Predictions

In a battle of two teams that have majorly disappointed this season, the Falcons travel on the road to US Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Atlanta fell at home to the Panthers, losing 23-16 and fell to 0-5 on the year. Minnesota has gotten off to a rough start to the season with a tough opening schedule, they fell to the hands of a final minute drive from Russell Wilson falling 27-26 and dropping to 1-4 on the year.

At the helm for the Vikings is veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, he’s gotten off to a slow start to the season and is completing 64% of his passes for 1,132 yards and 8 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. With a 52.9 QBR this year, Cousins ranks 26th in the NFL. The Vikings would normally turn to Dalvin Cook who is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has totaled 489 yards and 7 touchdowns but is expected to miss up to 6 weeks with a groin injury.

With Cook out, Alexander Mattison projects to get a majority of the carries as has been the case in previous years when Cook is out with injuries. Mattison has been solid all season long when given the chance averaging 5 yards per carry for 219 yards and has run in a touchdown. The loss of Stephon Diggs in the trade has no doubt has affected the Vikings offense but the rookie out of LSU, Justin Jefferson, and veteran Adam Thielen have both been solid options for Cousins this year. 

After falling to 0-5 including two blown 4th quarter leads, the Falcons parted ways with head coach Dan Quinn. With Raheem Morris taking over the head coaching responsibilities, the Falcons offense will need to make a huge step forward. They have the weapons and a capable quarterback in Matt Ryan, who is completing 63.2% of his passes for 1,472 yards while throwing 7 touchdowns to 3 interceptions this season.

Atlanta has been missing key receiver Julio Jones for a majority of the season and in his place, Calvin Ridley has stepped up catching 29 passes for 485 yards and four touchdowns. They’ve also benefited from Todd Gurley having a bit of a resurgence in a new offensive system, he’s averaging 4.7 yards per carry and has rushed in 5 touchdowns this year. 

Both Minnesota and Atlanta have both really struggled on the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons are allowing 446 yards 32.2 points per game ranking 31st in the NFL in both scoring and total defense. The Falcons secondary has specifically been bad, allowing a 335.8 pass yards per game. The Vikings come in allowing 30.4 points per game ranking 26th and 404 yards which ranks 25th in the NFL.