Vikings vs Falcons prediction, odds, spread, start time: 2023 NFL picks, Week 9 best bets from proven model – CBS Sports
The Atlanta Falcons sit tied atop the NFC South standings with a 4-4 record and look to get back on the winning track this weekend as they host the 4-4 Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons fell at Tennessee last Sunday, 28-23, while the Vikings defeated the Packers, 24-10. This is the teams’ first matchup since 2020, a 40-23 Atlanta victory. The Falcons are 2-6 against the spread, while Minnesota is 4-3-1 ATS in 2023.
Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET. Atlanta is a 3.5-point favorite in the latest Falcons vs. Vikings odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under is 38. Before making any Vikings vs. Falcons picks, you need to see the NFL predictions and betting advice from the computer simulation model at SportsLine.
The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season on an incredible 174-1223 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. It also is on a 28-15 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of last season.
The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past six years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick’em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.
Now, the model has set its sights on Vikings vs. Falcons and just locked in its picks and NFL Week 9 predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NFL odds and betting lines for Falcons vs. Vikings:
- Falcons vs. Vikings spread: Falcons -3.5
- Falcons vs. Vikings over/under: 38 points
- Falcons vs. Vikings money line: Falcons -190, Vikings +158
- Falcons vs. Vikings picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Falcons vs. Vikings live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why the Vikings can cover
With quarterback Kirk Cousins out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, Minnesota’s Week 9 fate is in the hands of rookie fifth-round draft pick Jaren Hall. Though the Vikings acquired Josh Dobbs from Arizona this week and will likely groom him as the starter going forward, Hall gets the first crack due to his familiarity with the system. In limited playing time last week, Hall completed three of four passes for 23 yards as the Vikings protected a fourth quarter lead in Green Bay.
Having won three straight games and squarely in the thick of the NFC playoff race, Minnesota rides a wave of momentum into Atlanta. With arguably the league’s top wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, set to return in the next few weeks from a hamstring injury, quarterback play may be the difference as to whether the Vikings play deeper into January. Fellow Vikings receivers K.J. Osborn (8-99-0 vs. Green Bay), Jordan Addison (7-82-1), and tight end T.J. Hockenson (6-88-1) will continue to play a big role as Minnesota tries to pull the upset this Sunday. See which team to pick here.
Why the Falcons can cover
Coach Arthur Smith has decided to start the veteran Taylor Heinicke with Desmond Ridder having been relegated to the No. 2 quarterback for Atlanta. On the season, Ridder has totaled nine combined passing / rushing touchdowns while turning the ball over eight times. The Falcons have alternated wins and losses for the last five weeks and Smith is looking for a spark from the veteran QB who isn’t afraid to take chances down the field. In relief of Ridder last week, Heinicke threw for 175 yards on 12 of 21 passing with a touchdown pass.
The quarterback change might be good for wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, both of whom are still looking to break out in 2023. London has caught 37 of 57 targets for 438 yards and two scores, while Pitts has 28 catches on 48 targets for 333 yards and one touchdown. With dynamic playmakers at his disposal, Heinicke may have success downfield, opening up bigger rushing lanes for running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. See which team to pick here.
How to make Falcons vs. Vikings picks
The model has simulated Vikings vs. Falcons 10,000 times and the results are in. It is leaning Over on the point total, and it also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time. You can only see the model’s Vikings vs. Falcons pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Minnesota vs. Atlanta on Sunday, and which side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side of the Falcons vs. Vikings spread you should be all over Sunday, all from the model on a 174-123 roll on its top-rated NFL picks, and find out.
