Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons GAMEDAY: How to Watch, Betting Odds

The Atlanta Falcons host the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this afternoon.

The Atlanta Falcons host the Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium today in a matchup between two teams on very similar paths this season. 

Other than sharing the same 4-4 record this year, Minnesota and Atlanta have much in common, and it starts at quarterback.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has lost his starting job for at least one week after a slew of turnovers last week in a game that also saw him evaluated for a concussion.

Minnesota lost starter Kirk Cousins to a torn Achilles last week, so rookie Jaren Hill will get the start against Atlanta, while Taylor Heinicke will make his first start for the Falcons. 

Taylor Heinicke / USA Today Sports

“The career doesn’t ride on one game, although you don’t want to take the importance away from it,” Hall said of his opportunity to prove he should remain the starter. "It’s got to be my Super Bowl every week because it’s the most important thing that’s coming next.”

Heinicke is used the playing the quarterback shuffle game after three seasons in Washington and faces his former team. Heinicke was with the Vikings from 2015-2016. Ridder remained on the sideline after he was cleared to return last week and will serve as Heinicke's backup.

“I think it’s the basic things for a quarterback,” Heinicke said. “Protect the ball. Get the first downs and get down in red zones and score touchdowns. Don’t take sacks, unnecessary sacks. Get the ball out of your hands and let those playmakers do their things."

WHAT: Minnesota Vikings (4-4, 3-1 Road) at Atlanta Falcons (4-4, 3-1 Home)

WHERE: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA (75,000)

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, 1 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: WZGC-FM 92.9 The Game

Get your tickets at SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Falcons -3.5

TOTAL: 37.5

MONEYLINE: Vikings +155, Falcons -200