Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/8/2024 1:00 PM EST
We have your Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Atlanta Falcons hit the road to face the Minnesota Vikings.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Atlanta Falcons +195 (ESPN BET) / Minnesota Vikings -218 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -5.0 - Atlanta Falcons -110 (BetMGM) / Minnesota Vikings -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 45.5 - Under -110 (ESPN BET) / Over -110 (Caesars)
Game Info
Date: 12/8/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: FOX
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
In the past three seasons, the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons have faced each other once, with the game taking place on November 5, 2023. In this matchup, the Minnesota Vikings emerged victorious, defeating the Atlanta Falcons with a final score of 31-28. The visiting team, Minnesota, managed to secure the win, while the home team, Atlanta, did not. The Vikings also covered the spread, as they were the underdogs with a closing spread of +3.5, and the game went over the closing over-under line of 38.5. This single encounter saw the Vikings winning against the spread and the total score exceeding the predicted over-under, indicating a high-scoring affair.
The most recent game between these two teams was characterized by a closely contested battle, with both teams displaying strong offensive performances. The game began with a field goal exchange, and Atlanta took an early lead with a safety and additional field goals. Minnesota responded with a touchdown pass, closing the first half with a narrow 11-10 deficit. The third quarter saw both teams trading scores, including a long touchdown pass by Minnesota and a field goal by Atlanta. The game remained tight into the fourth quarter, with Minnesota eventually securing the win through a late touchdown pass. Key statistics from the game included Minnesota's 363 total yards and 23 first downs, compared to Atlanta's 370 total yards and 18 first downs. Both teams committed two turnovers, but Atlanta was penalized more frequently, with eight penalties for 62 yards, while Minnesota had only one penalty for four yards.
Overall, the game was a competitive matchup with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Minnesota's ability to capitalize on key moments, such as the late touchdown pass, proved decisive in their victory. The Vikings' win against the spread and the game's total score exceeding the over-under line highlighted the offensive nature of the contest. As the two teams prepare to face each other again, this previous encounter provides valuable insights into their playing styles and potential strategies for the upcoming game.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Preview
The Atlanta Falcons are set to face the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial Week 14 matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium. Both teams are navigating pivotal moments in their respective seasons, with the Vikings riding high on a five-game winning streak and the Falcons grappling with a three-game losing skid. The Vikings, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, have been impressive, boasting a 10-2 record and maintaining pressure on the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. Darnold has shown resilience, overcoming early-season interception woes to lead his team with 21 touchdowns and a 67.6% completion rate. The Vikings' offense, featuring standout performances from wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, has been a formidable force, particularly in their recent comeback victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
Conversely, the Falcons are in a precarious position. Despite a strong start to the season, they have faltered recently, with quarterback Kirk Cousins struggling to find his form. Cousins, who has thrown 13 interceptions this season, is under scrutiny after a particularly challenging game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he threw four interceptions. The Falcons' offense, which includes dynamic players like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, has been unable to capitalize on opportunities, often stymied by turnovers and inconsistent play. Head coach Raheem Morris has expressed confidence in Cousins, emphasizing the team's commitment to their veteran quarterback despite the recent downturn.
This matchup is critical for both teams. The Vikings are looking to keep pace with the Lions and secure a playoff berth, while the Falcons aim to halt their slide and maintain their lead in the NFC South. The game will likely hinge on the Falcons' ability to protect the ball and the Vikings' continued offensive prowess. With the Vikings' strong home record and the Falcons' recent struggles, this game promises to be a telling indicator of each team's trajectory as the season approaches its climax.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Pick: Minnesota Vikings Moneyline
The Minnesota Vikings are poised to continue their impressive run as they host the Atlanta Falcons, and the moneyline pick for this matchup strongly favors the Vikings. Minnesota has been on a remarkable five-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Their recent victory against the Arizona Cardinals, where they overcame a significant deficit to win 23-22, highlights their tenacity and capability to execute in crucial moments. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been instrumental in this success, demonstrating a marked improvement in his performance with four touchdowns and no interceptions in his last two games. His leadership, combined with the dynamic receiving duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who combined for 118 receiving yards in the second half against Arizona, makes the Vikings' offense a formidable force.
In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons are struggling to find their footing, having lost three consecutive games. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been at the center of these struggles, throwing four interceptions in their recent loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. This performance has raised concerns about his ability to lead the team effectively, especially against a Vikings defense that has shown its prowess by intercepting Kyler Murray twice in their last outing. The Falcons' offensive woes are compounded by their inability to capitalize on opportunities, as evidenced by their failure to score more than 20 points in their last three games.
Moreover, the Vikings have a strong home record and have historically dominated the Falcons, winning 10 straight home games against them. This trend, coupled with the Vikings' current form and the Falcons' recent struggles, makes Minnesota the clear favorite. The Vikings' ability to maintain pressure on the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions adds further motivation for them to secure a victory. Given these factors, the Minnesota Vikings are the logical choice for the moneyline pick in this matchup.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Top Player Prop Picks
Sam Darnold Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns -110 (DraftKings)
Sam Darnold has been a key figure in the Minnesota Vikings' recent success, leading them to a 10-2 record with a five-game winning streak. His performance has been particularly impressive in the last two games, where he has thrown four touchdowns without any interceptions. This trend suggests that Darnold is in excellent form, making the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns a strong pick. The Vikings' offense, bolstered by the dynamic receiving duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, has been a formidable force, particularly in their recent comeback victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Given the Falcons' recent defensive struggles, allowing multiple interceptions and failing to contain opposing quarterbacks, Darnold is well-positioned to exceed this passing touchdown line.
Kirk Cousins Over 0.5 Interceptions -120 (Caesars)
Kirk Cousins has been struggling with turnovers, throwing 13 interceptions this season, including four in his last game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This troubling trend makes the over on 0.5 interceptions a compelling choice. The Vikings' defense has shown its ability to capitalize on such mistakes, as evidenced by their two interceptions against Kyler Murray in their recent win over the Cardinals. With Cousins under pressure to perform and facing a Vikings defense that has been opportunistic, the likelihood of him throwing at least one interception is high. This prop bet aligns with the current narrative of Cousins' struggles and the Vikings' defensive prowess.
Justin Jefferson Over 85.5 Receiving Yards -115 (FanDuel)
Justin Jefferson has been a standout performer for the Vikings, consistently delivering high yardage games. In the recent matchup against the Cardinals, Jefferson, along with Jordan Addison, combined for 118 receiving yards in the second half alone. This demonstrates his ability to rack up significant yardage, especially in crucial moments. With the Falcons' defense showing vulnerabilities, particularly in their recent games, Jefferson is poised to exploit these weaknesses. His chemistry with Sam Darnold and his role as a primary target in the Vikings' offense make the over on 85.5 receiving yards a strong proposition. Given his track record and the current form of the Vikings' passing game, Jefferson is likely to surpass this line.