Atlanta’s primetime win in Minnesota belonged to the defense, the re-energized special teams, and a rookie class that already looks like Terry Fontenot’s best haul. The pass rush wrecked J.J. McCarthy’s rhythm, Marquice Williams and Mike Ford shored up kickoff and coverage, and John Parker Romo drilled five field goals to erase Week 1 jitters.

Offense moved the ball on the ground but stalled in the red zone, forcing five field goals and prompting questions for Zac Robinson. Still, the 1-1 start on primetime, boosted by Ulbrich’s stingy unit, gives the Falcons plenty to build on as they grow into their identity.

Sunday Night Football pits McCarthy and Penix Jr. in a first-year starter showdown as the Vikings host the Falcons. McCarthy’s Week 1 rally showed dual‑threat upside; Penix Jr. flashed efficient yardage in a loss, hinting at a QB duel.

Justin Jefferson should rebound against Atlanta after a quiet opener. The Falcons’ kicker situation—John Parker Romo in, Koo starting—adds late‑game intrigue. Vikings are -3.5 with 44.5 over/under; fantasy edges tilt to McCarthy’s legs and Jefferson’s targets.

Falcons kick off a competitive audition to replace Younghoe Koo after a rough showing vs Tampa. Eddy Pineiro joined Flowery Branch workouts, with Parker Romo emerging as the frontrunner from tryouts that also included Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley and Ben Sauls. Romo’s past success with the Vikings (11-of-12 FG) and his Patriots stint during camp keep him in the mix as Koo rebounds. The coaching staff stresses high‑level competition to dial in the Week 1 plan.

The competition will run through the week, with Morris weighing in-practice form, consistency and low-adversity kicking adjustments. Fantasy managers should monitor all kicks, as a Romo win could shift Falcons’ FG opportunities and kicker volatility, while Koo remains the baseline until he proves a rebound.

John Parker Romo signs with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, kick-starting a Week 2 kicker competition with Younghoe Koo after a Week 1 miss. Atlanta also auditioned Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley and Ben Sauls. Romo, in his second NFL season, brings a 11-for-12 FG clip from four games with Minnesota to the room as New England cut Borregales in 2025. The Falcons aim to stabilize the kicking position and protect a shaky start.

Koo remains the incumbent, but Romo’s track record and preseason reliability offer a credible leash for a deeper, more competitive kicking setup in a pivotal early-season stretch. Borregales’ Patriots arc adds context to why Romo earned this shot in Atlanta, where Week 2 looms against a hostile divisional foe.

The Falcons added kicker competition by adding John Parker Romo to their practice squad, aiming to back up Younghoe Koo after Week 1’s late miss. Romo, a Georgia native who flashed 11-of-12 field goals and 7-of-8 extra points in four games with Minnesota last season, also spent time with New England before his release. The team invited Zane Gonzalez, Michael Badgley and Ben Sauls to workouts as potential depth behind Koo. Koo, who was 2-for-3 on field goals in the season opener, has struggled notably over recent seasons, amplifying the push for a skilled alternative and insurance behind the Falcons’ kicking game.