Both teams, for now, have mangy defenses
The Matt Ryan-to-Julio Jones duo has been a prolific one for almost a decade. When people think of the Atlanta Falcons, most think of a high-powered offense. It’s not ultra-surprising to learn that the Falcons defense sometimes lags when the emphasis is on offense.
The Vikings are the opposite. Mike Zimmer-coached teams have generally prioritized defense with offense being an afterthought. This season, both teams’ defenses are floundering. Atlanta ranks 31st in points per game allowed and Minnesota is not much better with its 28th seeding in this parameter.
Unless both teams have suddenly figured it out defensively, there should be a boatload of points on Sunday. The Vikings and Falcons both call indoor stadiums their homes and points might be pinball-like this weekend.
The over/under in Vegas stands at 54.5 points. That’s one of the highest over/under bets of the week. Neither team has participated in an honest-to-goodness defensive battle in 2020 and that tendency likely won’t start when the teams square off in Minneapolis.