Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons GAMEDAY Preview: Taylor Heinicke Takes Center Stage

The Atlanta Falcons host the Minnesota Vikings as two quarterbacks make their first starts of the season.

Today, the Atlanta Falcons play at home (4-4) against the Minnesota Vikings (4-4), who will be without stars such as quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. 

Although the team is short on starters, don't expect them to roll over to the Falcons. Currently riding a three-game win streak, Minnesota has proven to be a tough out in part due to the team's impressive receiving options in rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

NFL veteran Taylor Heinicke will be making his first start as an Atlanta Falcon on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings / USA Today Sports

So far this season, Addison leads rookies in multiple receiving metrics. Addison is first among rookies with at least 50 targets in yards per reception at 13.4 and first in receiving touchdowns with seven. He is also second among rookies in total receiving yards with 482 and receiving yards per game at 60.3.

As for Hockenson, he is tied for the most targets among tight ends at 68 and has the second most catches (53), total receiving yards (478) and receiving yards per game (59.8).

For the Falcons, it will come down to shutting down the Vikings top two receiving options and making rookie first-time starter at quarterback Jaren Hall. The defense, especially the secondary, will be looking to redeem themselves after allowing first-time starter Will Levis to throw four touchdowns against them a week ago.

If Atlanta wants to win, the team will need to survive Minnesota's blitz game, which is headlined by Danielle Hunter, who leads the league in sacks (10) so far this season. 

Despite the team being without No. 1 wide receiver Drake London this week, it still has a chance to walk away with a win.

Assuming rookie running back Bijan Robinson gets into a groove and veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke can survive that pass rush in his first start for the Falcons, completing passes to tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith. Then Atlanta should be able to put enough points up on the board to get back over .500.

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

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Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Falcons -3.5

TOTAL: 37.5

MONEYLINE: Vikings +155, Falcons -200