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Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Prediction for Sunday, September 14, 2025

By: Arthur Reyes Published 09/12/2025, 04:46 PM ET
Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Prediction for Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Atlanta Falcons (0-1) are looking to bounce back after a tough 23-20 home loss on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr looked well under center as he completed 27-of-42 passes for 298 yards with a passing touchdown while also rushing six times for 21 yards (3.5 yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown.

The Minnesota Vikings (1-0) are looking to build upon their 27-24 road win on Monday over the Chicago Bears. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy played well in his NFL debut as he completed 13-of-20 passes for 143 yards with two passing touchdowns and one interception. McCarthy also added a pair of carries for 25 yards (12.5 yards per attempt) with a rushing touchdown. Last December, the Vikings were victorious in this game against the Falcons, 42-21.

Game plan ready — NFL picks for Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings with the factors that move results.

Falcons Looking to Spread Their Wings

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a rough 23-20 home loss in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had a chance to tie the game with six seconds left, but the normally reliable Younghoe Koo missed a 44-yard field goal wide right. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr looked sharp, but the offense was led by their top skill position player in running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson finished with 12 rushes for 24 yards (2.0 yards per carry) but also added six receptions for 100 yards (16.7 yards per catch) and a receiving touchdown. He was a major reason why the Falcons were able to have possession for 35:12 in the game.

Drake London suffered a shoulder injury after catching eight passes for 55 yards. He's listed as questionable this week.

The defense of the Atlanta Falcons allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to record 23 points on 260 total yards (159 passing, 101 rushing). Atlanta struggled to get stops in the money downs as Tampa Bay went 7-for-14 on third downs and converted their singular fourth down try. The Falcons struggled to apply pressure as they recorded one sack and zero takeaways.

 

Injury Report for Atlanta

  • Wide receiver Jamal Agnew: Groin (Questionable)
  • Wide receiver Darnell Mooney: Shoulder (Questionable)
  • Safety Jordan Fuller: Knee (Questionable)
  • Wide receiver Drake London: Shoulder (Questionable)
  • Safety DeMarcco Hellams: Hamstring (Questionable)
  • Wide receiver Casey Washington: Concussion (Questionable)
  • Defensive end James Pearce Jr: Groin (Questionable)
  • Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr: Shoulder (Questionable)
  • Offensive lineman Jack Nelson: Calf (Questionable)
  • Linebacker Troy Andersen: Knee (OUT)

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Vikings Looking to Start the Season Hot

The Minnesota Vikings were able to come from behind and secure a 27-24 road win in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears on Monday. The offense was able to score 27 points despite recording just 254 total yards (134 passing, 120 rushing). They scored 21 points in the fourth quarter after being down 11 points against their NFC North rival. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a good showing, as we highlighted earlier, especially in the second half. He also threw a pick-six in the early in the second half. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a relatively quiet game, but still put up some numbers with four catches on seven targets for 44 yards (11.0 yards per reception) and a touchdown grab. Minnesota only recorded 14 total first downs in the game, but still managed to win.

The defense of the Vikings struggled as they allowed 24 points on 317 total yards (198 passing, 119 rushing). Chicago was able to run the football well against them as they averaged 4.6 yards per attempt. However, the Bears couldn’t keep drives alive as the Vikings held them to 3-for-12 on third downs and 0-for-1 on fourth. Minnesota had a pair of sacks by Javon Hargrave, while Jonathan Greenard had a pair of quarterback hits to lead the team, and the Vikings also recovered a fumble.

 

Injury Report for Minnesota

  • Safety Harrison Smith: Illness (Questionable)
  • Center Ryan Kelly: Toe (Questionable)
  • Tight end Josh Oliver: Ankle (Questionable)
  • Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel: Concussion (Questionable)
  • Cornerback Jeff Okudah: Concussion (Questionable)
  • Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers: Elbow (Questionable)
  • Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw: Knee (Questionable)
  • Running back Zavier Scott: Ankle (Questionable)
  • Wide receiver Myles Price: Knee (Questionable)
  • Linbebacker Blake Cashman: Hamstring (OUT)
  • Wide receiver Jordan Addison: Suspension (OUT)
  • Tight end Gavin Bartholomew: Back (OUT)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings Pick

Spread Pick for Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings

  • Atlanta Falcons +145 (4 units)

The Atlanta Falcons have a more complete roster right now as J.J. McCarthy did not play well in Week 1. This Atlanta team should be able to step up and improve, especially running the football in this game, to get the offense flowing. The loss of Blake Cashman is going to be felt in this game, and with some significant offensive linemen on the injury report for the Vikings, that does not leave a lot of confidence. All in all, go with the Atlanta Falcons to win this game on the road.

Over/Under Pick for Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings

  • OVER 44.5 (4 units)

Both teams were able to score 20+ points in Week 1 and should be able to step up here. Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo is going to be able to improve after missing a critical kick last week. Michael Penix Jr and J.J. McCarthy are getting more experience should help them read some defensive looks. Expect more offense out of Justin Jefferson and Bijan Robinson, so take OVER 44.5 POINTS here.

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