MATT VENSEL:

Four players will score touchdowns for the Falcons

Mike Zimmer's defense is in the middle of an unforgiving early-season gantlet that features some of the league's top quarterbacks and offenses. But it might not get any tougher than today, when the Vikings must slow down a Falcons offense that leads the league in points scored and yards earned per game. The Falcons are averaging 34.3 points per game and eight different players have scored touchdowns for them through three games. The Vikings will be hard pressed to cover each of those weapons, especially star wide receiver Julio Jones. But quarterback Matt Ryan will spread the ball around and four different Falcons will find the end zone.
MARK CRAIG:

Quick blast, but not enough

Teddy Bridgewater's NFL starting debut will begin with an 80-yard touchdown pass on a deep ball to Cordarrelle Patterson, but it won't be enough to hold off a Falcons team that's too good for the depleted Vikings. It will be a competitive contest, but the Falcons pull away in the second half and win 28-17.
MASTER TESFATSION:

Rhodes records first INT in loss

In his 17th NFL game, cornerback Xavier Rhodes will record his first career interception. The Falcons offense has committed eight turnovers through three games, including three interceptions from quarterback Matt Ryan. Rhodes will be faced with the tough task of guarding either Julio Jones or Roddy White, but he'll snag a confidence-building interception in the Vikings third straight loss on Sunday.
CHRIS MILLER:

Poised for poise and more poise

No matter what Teddy Bridgewater does today, the word "poise" will be used in excess by people covering the game. He will break the Vikings record, set by Christian Ponder three years ago, for most times causing assembled media to say "poise." Someone watching the game on TV can keep track for me, someone else can monitor Twitter and I'll supervise the sportswriters, who are allowed to use the word only in quotes. If they use it otherwise, they go on the commissioner's sportswriters' exempt list until after cliché training has been completed. As for my bold prediction, I think the Vikings are poised for an upset.