NFL 2024/25: Vikings – Falcons
During the current NFL season in 2024, I was at least as impressed by the LeoVegas bonus as I was by the performances of the “Purple People Eater”. Both have outperformed in their respective categories, one as a sports betting bonus and the other as a football team.
But can the home side keep up the pace to the finish line?
In a close game, my Vikings Falcons betting tip suggests that the weather at home in U.S. Bank Stadium could give them the decisive advantage. That’s because it’s particularly cold in Minnesota at this time of year, unlike Atlanta.
In the upcoming game between the Vikings and the Falcons, both teams are under special scrutiny. The Vikings have had an impressive season so far with a 10-2 record, but their form has not always been convincing in recent weeks.
They have been very lucky in their last two games in particular!
In the game against Chicago, for example, the Purple People Eater had to go into overtime to win after blowing a decisive lead in the fourth quarter.
In the subsequent game against Arizona, Minnesota was able to prevail again, but that was also a flattering nail-biting victory, as the Cardinals left a total of 6 chances in the red zone unused.
The Vikings have seen close games time and again this season, with them coming under pressure in the final stages. Even though the Vikings’ record looks impressive, it might be time to start wondering about the team’s actual stability.
But Minnesota has a big advantage: the weather. Because at home in the U.S. Bank Stadium, it is particularly cold at this time of year. Maybe it will be a real snow battle like the one between Bills and 49ers recently! Here, too, the more northerly franchise was able to assert itself.
The Vikings have seen a significant decline in their defensive performance. While they were considered the best defense in the league in the first five games, they have since slipped to ninth in the NFL in this category.
Particularly in the last two games, a significant drop can easily be seen in their own pass defense numbers.
The Vikings have allowed quarterbacks like Caleb Williams (Chicago) and Kyler Murray (Arizona) to gain more than 600 yards, which is a huge number!
This could benefit the Falcons this Sunday, who have had a lot to offer offensively in recent games.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins in particular should be very familiar with Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense, after all, he trained with this defense last year.
The bottom line is that Atlanta may not be the best team in the league right now – I probably wouldn’t even include them in the extended circle of potential NFL favorites in 2024…
But one thing is also clear: their special style of play could cause Minnesota problems at the weekend. This is not an advantageous matchup for the Vikings!
The Falcons have also experienced some difficult phases this season with an even record of 6-6, but they have never really been discouraged by a defeat.
Especially in the game against the Chargers, in which they only lost by a narrow margin despite Cousins throwing four interceptions, they impressively proved that they can stay in the game until the final whistle, even in close matches with numerous unfavorable twists!
While the possible use of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is currently the subject of much discussion at ATL, Cousins should remain the first choice
However, the Falcons also have defensive issues, especially on the road, where they have not always shone in recent years. That’s why I would struggle to place an away win bet at odds of around 3.00 on them on Sunday.
But even though the Falcons’ record on the road is not impressive, they at least have the potential to cause the Vikings problems.
Conclusion: Both teams have played close games throughout the season and I expect this match to be a close, hard-fought duel as well.
I respect the fact that the Vikings usually come out on top in close games. Therefore, as a precaution, I will include a handicap with which the Falcons should help me to a sports betting payout even in the event of a defeat.
Atlanta should only lose by less than a touchdown difference, if at all. It is even possible that a field goal will decide the game in the end.
My Vikings Falcons betting tip is therefore: Win ATL with HC +5.5.
