Considered one of the deepest division’s in the opening weeks of the NFL regular season, the NFC South is down to a two-horse race with the Atlanta Falcons looking to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Unlike last year when the Falcons cruised to a 14-win season and the best record in the NFL, this season has seen its share of highs and lows, and the resilience that the team has built along the way could help them through when it counts the most as they look to put together a string of consecutive wins as they host the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta Falcons (-9.5)

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

The Falcons have once again relied on one of the league’s most balanced offenses, as they rank in the top-11 in terms of both rushing and passing yards. One of the biggest differences however has been the team’s renewed sports betting commitment to the running game, as it has led to them winning four of their last five. There is no denying that Atlanta is more effective with running back Michael Turner as the focal point of their offense, which takes the pressure off of young Matt Ryan and open things up for the passing game. Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder won’t have that same luxury with running back Adrian Peterson out of the pay head lineup, and that will make things even tougher on an injury-riddled Vikings’ team.

NFL Betting Pick: Atlanta Falcons – 9.5