5 bold Minnesota Vikings predictions for Week 9 vs. the Atlanta Falcons

4. Taylor Heinicke will not get his revenge

For the second time in the past two seasons, the Vikings will face quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who was a UDFA signing for Minnesota in 2015.

Although Heinicke has some ties to the organization (and could have had his time there turn out differently if it weren’t for an infamous training camp injury), this won’t be a chance for him to have his revenge game, thanks to the recent performance of the Vikings defense.

Minnesota's defense had a rough start to the season, but they have turned it around over the last couple of games.

With the gauntlet of franchise quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Herbert behind them, the Vikings have been able to limit Brock Purdy and Jordan Love over the last two weeks.

The Falcons bring a similar challenge as Heinicke will start under center for the benched Desmond Ridder. While Heinicke’s aggressive style could be an upgrade, the play-calling of Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith could get in the way, as he tends to lean towards riding “the hot hand” instead of getting the ball to his best players.

With Falcons wide receiver Drake London nursing a groin injury and struggling against zone coverage this season, Minnesota could have an advantage and could be able to take the load off of their own offense on Sunday.