There would be a lot of attention on how Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins plays this week regardless of the team's opponent, but there will be even more eyeballs on him because the team will be facing the Vikings.

Dan Graziano of ESPN outlined the chances that the Falcons could bench Cousins in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who the team selected No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL draft in a move that surprised just about everyone outside of the organization, as well as some inside of it -- Cousins included.

After six years in Minnesota, Cousins makes his first return to U.S. Bank Stadium since joining the Falcons in March.