"Maldonado: Atlanta has got the sizzle with Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson and Drake London, but the shine wears off quickly when they face upper-echelon defenses. The Falcons were dead last in rushing EPA last week, and Robinson got stuffed (12 carries for 24 yards), getting hit at or behind the line on 10 of his carries. That line gave Penix no room, so they lived in the quick passing game, with London's targets averaging only 6.6 air yards."
"Now the offense faces a Minnesota front with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen that's way tougher than what they saw vs. Tampa. Vikings DC Brian Flores blitzed Bears QB Caleb Williams at a 43% rate in the second half last week, and he'll bring that same heat here. J.J. McCarthy still has training wheels, but O'Connell's offense is built for balance with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. Bottom line, the purple are set for Sunday night."
Atlanta enters Week 2 after a three-point loss to Tampa Bay, with Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson and Drake London supplying offensive weapons but faltering versus top defenses. The Falcons ranked last in rushing EPA; Robinson totaled 24 yards on 12 carries and faced frequent contact at or behind the line, forcing quick passes and limiting London’s air yards. Minnesota rallied to beat Chicago behind J.J. McCarthy and opens Sunday night as a 3.5-point favorite with a 44.5 total. Minnesota’s front, led by Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, and Brian Flores' aggressive blitzing support a balanced attack featuring Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones Sr., while McCarthy’s mobility provides red-zone rushing upside.
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