MN Vikings Picks, Predictions vs Falcons – Local Reporters vs National Media

After a come-from-behind victory in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings are at home for the first time this season. Kevin O’Connell’s team will run out to the sound of the Gjallarhorn and J.J. McCarthy will get his first regular season U.S. Bank Stadium experience.

The storylines for this contest are aplenty. Adam Thielen will run out of the tunnel as a member of the home team once again. Kirk Cousins will exit the tunnel as a clipboard holding member of the away team. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. get to redo their National Championship showdown of a couple years ago.

Under the primetime lights of Sunday Night Football, this one should be plenty of fun. Minnesota enters as -3.5 point favorites at home.

Before the game kicks off, it’s worth taking a look at who locally thinks the Vikings emerge victorious, and how the game will shake out. Of course those covering the team on a daily basis have the greatest insight as to where things should stand.

To add context, we’ve also included picks and predictions from popular national media outlets, who do not follow the Vikings as closely as those on the local beat. That will allow you to compare and contrast how local media views the MN Vikings vs those in the national space.

Week 1 Minnesota Vikings local beat writer & media predictions

• Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) – Vikings 23, Falcons 21

The Falcons‘ offensive weapons, especially with Robinson’s elusiveness and Drake London’s physicality, will test a Vikings defense that is without two starters because of injury and had three defensive backs on the injury report this week. It will require the Vikings to get creative with their secondary, and they’ll need solid performances from players like cornerback Dwight McGlothern. But they’ll get a boost from a U.S. Bank Stadium crowd that should be electric on Sunday night, and their offense will have some favorable matchups against Atlanta’s defense. They’ll win their home opener in a close one. – Star Tribune

• Dane Mizutani (Pioneer Press) – Vikings 24, Falcons 17

It took J.J. McCarthy roughly 45 minutes of game time to find his rhythm in his NFL debut. The hostile road environment at Soldier Field contributed to that. He should be more comfortable from the onset at U.S. Bank Stadium. – Pioneer Press

Related: Three Keys for Minnesota Vikings Against Atlanta on Sunday Night

• John Shipley (Pioneer Press) – Vikings 23, Falcons 18

Rising rookies take the stage, with the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy bolstered by a come-back Monday night win and the birth of his first child. Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr., meanwhile, will be getting advice about winning a nationally televised night game from Kirk Cousins. – Pioneer Press

• Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) – Vikings 30, Falcons 24

Quarterbacks drafted in 2024, J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 overall) of the Vikings and Michael Penix Jr. (No. 8) by the Falcons, will be on the big stage for comparison. Ex-Viking Kirk Cousins and his guaranteed $27.5 million will get to compare, too, from the Atlanta sideline. – Pioneer Press

• Jace Frederick (Pioneer Press) – Falcons 28, Vikings 24

Another week, another battle of second-year quarterbacks. But Michael Penix Jr. is significantly better than Caleb Williams. Minnesota’s pass rush needs to get home to get Atlanta’s signal caller out of rhythm. – Pioneer Press

Sunday Night Football – Vikings vs Bears national predictions

• ESPN – 10 of 11 experts pick Vikings
  • Sonia Bell – Vikings
  • Mike Clay – Vikings
  • Jeremy Fowler – Vikings
  • Dan Graziano – Vikings
  • Kalyn Kahler – Vikings
  • Matt Bowen – Vikings
  • Pamela Maldonado – Vikings
  • Eric Moody – Vikings
  • Seth Walder – Vikings
  • Lindsey Thiry – Falcons
  • Seth Wickersham – Vikings

Minnesota’s Myles Price will return a kick or punt for a touchdown. Price had juice in his NFL debut Monday night, particularly as a punt returner, where he recorded 22 yards over expectation — second most in Week 1. — Seth Walder (ESPN)

Related: Falcons Bringing Scorned Vikings Kicker to Minnesota

• The Athletic – 6 of 8 experts pick Vikings
  • Joe Buscaglia – Vikings
  • Chad Graff – Vikings
  • Larry Holder – Vikings
  • Josh Kendall – Vikings
  • Nick Kosmider – Falcons
  • Austin Mock – Vikings
  • Zack Rosenblatt – Vikings
  • Josiah Turner – Falcons

J.J. McCarthy just finished cramming one of the best quarterback debuts ever into just 15 minutes. Who doesn’t want to watch the follow-up act? – The Athletic

• MMQB (Sports Illustrated) – 5 of 6 experts pick Vikings
  • Conor Orr – Vikings
  • Gilberto Manzano – Falcons
  • Matt Verderame – Vikings
  • John Pluym – Vikings
  • Mitch Goldich – Vikings
  • Claire Brennan – Vikings