The Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens face off on Sunday in a cross division NFL showdown at M&T Bank Stadium. When these two last faced off in 2017 it was the Vikings that won 24-16.
The Minnesota Vikings currently sit with a 3-4 record overall and if this must win territory for them. The Vikings last game was an ugly one, losing to the Dallas Cowboys who were starting a backup quarterback. The offense had some major issues getting anything going after halftime. This is an offense that is averaging 23.3 points per game, but at times they have gone cold for long stretches. On defense, the Vikings have still found some success giving up 22.4 points per game. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has had some success this year throwing for 1,953 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions.
On the other side of this matchup is the Baltimore Ravens who sit with a 5-2 record but in their last game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the defense really struggled giving up 41 points. The Ravens are averaging 26.7 points while the defense is giving up 23.4 points per game. Lamar Jackson has thrown for 1,943 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Jackson has also been the leading rusher sitting with 480 yards and two touchdowns. Rashod Bateman has looked pretty good in his appearances, but it’s unclear if he will be able to go in this game.
The Vikings are 3-11 against the spread in their last 14 games. The Ravens are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games as favorites. The over is 5-0 in the Vikings last five games overall. The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
The Vikings might not win this game, but this is way too many points. After all the talk this week, Cousins is going to have a big game, and go toe to toe with Jackson. The Vikings defense might not be great, but the offense will score enough to keep it close. Back the Vikings against the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
