The Falcons have one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL for the 2019 season, at least if we’re going by PFF’s ELO rating. Even if you don’t put much stock into that method, it’s hard to deny that Atlanta faces a tough road ahead this year.
The challenges begin right away with a season opening visit to Minnesota to play the Vikings, who have won the last three games between the teams. According to the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, Minnesota has opened as a 4.5-point favorite over Atlanta for the Week 1 matchup. The over/under is set at 47 points.
The last time these teams met on the field was late in the 2017 season, when the Vikings held the Falcons to just nine points on their home field. Matt Ryan was limited to 173 passing yards and a 72.9 quarterback rating despite not taking a sack.
The Vikings have since added Kirk Cousins at quarterback, but his first season there proved to be only a modest upgrade over what Case Keenum offered the year before. That’s really beside the point – what makes this a demanding matchup is Minny’s defense.
The unit fell off some last season, but that was mostly about a rough start – Minnesota recovered down the stretch and still finished among the top 10 teams in fewest points allowed and fourth in defensive DVOA.
On the bright side, Atlanta will have a (sort-of) new play-caller to match wits with Mike Zimmer. Steve Sarkisian was not as terrible as some make him out to be, but Dirk Koetter’s record is more impressive and he should give the Falcons a better chance to score against top defenses like this.
