Vikings-Falcons Week 2 score predictions from the Vikings On SI staff

U.S. Bank Stadium is going to be absolutely rocking on Sunday night.

The Vikings are 1-0 after beating the Bears in thrilling comeback fashion on Monday, which has only added to the excitement around this 2025 team. Now they're back in Minneapolis to play another primetime game in their home opener. It's the first home game of the J.J. McCarthy era, as well as the return of Adam Thielen after two years away. Plus, the atmosphere always seems to go to another level for night games.

The opponent is an Atlanta Falcons team looking to bounce back after losing a close one to the Buccaneers in Week 1. Last year, the Vikings beat the Falcons 42-21, but that was with Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterbacks. This time it's a youth movement, with McCarthy (career start #2) and Michael Penix Jr. (career start #5) squaring off, just like they did during the January 2024 national championship game between Michigan and Washington.

The Vikings opened as 4.5-point favorites, but the line is down to 3.5. Minnesota is dealing with a few key injuries. Still, the Vikings are certainly the favorites in this one. Will they get it done and move to 2-0? Here are our staff's score predictions.

Will Ragatz: Vikings 34, Falcons 24

After knocking off three quarters of rust and coming to life in the fourth quarter on Monday, I'm expecting the Vikings' offense to hit the ground running in this one. J.J. McCarthy's big finish should give him all kinds of confidence heading into his first home game. Jordan Mason figures to be more heavily involved in the first half than he was last week. And even with A.J. Terrell across from him, Justin Jefferson typically doesn't stay quiet for long. This Falcons defense, outside of a few players, isn't very good.

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings not having Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman is a bit concerning, but they should still be able to generate plenty of pass rush with Jonathan Greenard, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Dallas Turner. At linebacker, Eric Wilson is a capable fill-in for Cashman. Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson will put up yards, but Brian Flores' defense will also come up with a key takeaway or two in a 10-point win.