Falcons - Vikings odds: Atlanta gets the homefield nod by a field goal

The Atlanta Falcons have been playing inspired football of late, while the Minnesota Vikings have been playing inspired football more or less all season. They’ve done so without Sam Bradford, their starting quarterback, and Dalvin Cook, their gifted rookie running back. They are, in brief, one of the best teams in the NFC.

That’s why it’s a mild surprise to see the Falcons favored by a field goal here early in the week, especially with the knowledge that they could be without top cornerback Desmond Trufant. But Atlanta is home, they have Julio Jones, and they’re certainly capable of beating almost any team on their best day. If Vegas views this as a bit of a coin flip at the moment, as this line implies, you can hardly blame them.

This game loom as a key one for both teams, with Minnesota trying to keep a first round bye and perhaps steal away home field advantage from the Eagles, and the Falcons trying to stay in the playoff picture and show they can beat tough opponents here late in the year. Go Atlanta, of course.