DANE MIZUTANI
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 environnement at Soldier Field contributed to that. He should be more comfortable from the onset at U.S. Bank Stadium.
JOHN SHIPLEY
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.
CHARLEY WALTERS
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.
JACE FREDERICK
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.