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Atlanta is coming off of a disappointing 2018 that was filled with injuries to the defense to go along with poor play on that side of the ball. The Falcons finished the season 31st in Football Outsiders defensive DVOA, but were top five in total yards per play on offense. They will need to get better on defense to be a great football team, though that outlook appears to be somewhat bleak given the lack of moves in the off-season. Atlanta added no meaningful contributors on defense via free agency or the draft, and cut Robert Alford, one of their top corners.
The Vikings underwent a major change in the coaching staff, promoting Kevin Stefanski to offensive coordinator after he served that role on an interim basis after firing John DeFilippo. DeFilippo was given his walking papers after head coach Mike Zimmer felt that he was passing the ball too much. Of course, that should be expected when you have a QB on a full-guaranteed $84 million contract and two of the best WRs in football in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Nevertheless, expect Minnesota to be more run-heavy in 2019. Atlanta was 30th in rush defense DVOA and 28th against RBs in the passing game in 2018, so this could be an optimal spot for that strategy.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Falcons +4
Total Points: 48
Money Line: Vikings -200; Falcons +165
Records
Overall 2018: Falcons 7-9; Vikings 8-7-1
ATS 2018: Falcons 5-11; Vikings 8-7-1
O/U 2018: Falcons 9-7; Vikings 6-10
Notable Prop Bets
Falcons Total Points - Over 21.5 -114, Under 21.5 -112
Falcons Total Touchdowns - Over 2.5 +107, Under 2.5 -141
Team to Score First Touchdown - Falcons +108, Vikings -141
Total Touchdowns - Over 5.5 +110, Under 5.5 -143
Betting Trends
- The Falcons have won each of their last five September games as underdogs.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Falcons’ last five Week 1 games.
- Five of the Falcons’ last six road openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Stefon Diggs has scored the first touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last two Week 1 games.
- Julio Jones has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Falcons’ last six day games against NFC opponents.
- Calvin Ridley has scored a touchdown in four of the Falcons’ last five road games against NFC opponents.
- Stefon Diggs has scored a touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last four games as favorites.
- Kyle Rudolph has scored a touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last four regular season games as favorites against NFC South opponents.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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