Here are five things to know about the Falcons as they are set to open the regular season:
1. Game time: The Falcons, who went 7-9 last season, will face the Minnesota Vikings, who went 8-7-1 last season, at 1 p.m. on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Both teams missed the playoffs after going to the divisional round and to the NFC title game, respectively, after the 2017 regular season. Both, with much of the same rosters, are trying to reclaim elite status in the NFC.
2. Series: The Vikings lead the regular season series 18-10. The teams are 1-1 in playoff meetings. The Vikings have won the last three meetings. The Vikings won the last meeting 14-9 on Dec. 3, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
3. Favorite: The Vikings are favored by 3.5 points.
4. Bryant transaction: The Falcons agreed with Kicker Matt Bryant to a one-year, $3 million contract on Saturday. The transaction is expected to clear the league office today and the Falcons roster will reach the full 53-man maximum roster size.
5. Practice squad: Quarterback Danny Etling, who the Falcons claimed off waivers from the Patriots on Aug. 14, led a group of players signed to the team's practice squad on Sunday.
In addition to Etling, the Falcons signed wide receiver Christian Blake, defensive back Chris Cooper, guard Sean Harlow, defensive end Austin Larkin, defensive end Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and defensive tackle Justin Zimmer.
With just seven players signed, the Falcons have three openings on the practice squad.
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