Sunday afternoon features an NFC versus AFC matchup of North Division teams between the Minnesota Vikings (3-4) square off with the Baltimore Ravens (5-2). The Ravens will host this one at M&T Bank Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 pm ET.
The Vikings come into this one after a disappointing 20-16 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week. Minnesota was not able to capitalize on the fact that Dak Prescott did not play as Cooper Rush threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns.
In the loss, Kirk Cousins threw for 184 yards and a touchdown while Dalvin Cook rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries.
In their last contest, back on October 24, the Ravens lost in embarrassing fashion at home 41-17 at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals. That snapped a five-game winning streak for the Ravens. Coming off of a bye week, the Ravens hope to get back into the win column.
The Ravens are the favorites playing at home. They are -260 to win while the Vikings’ moneyline sits at +215. The spread features Minnesota +6 (-106), and the over/under for total points sits at 50.5.
More Odds
Baltimore is currently the favorite to win the AFC North at -140. The Vikings have the second-best odds of winning the NFC North but still sit at just +850.
In terms of winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens have the sixth-best odds to win it all at +1000. The Vikings are +7000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
In their last 14 games, Minnesota is a disappointing 3-11 against the spread. In their last five road games, the over has hit in all five of them.
In their last six games, the Ravens are a solid 5-1. In their last six games against Minnesota, the over has hit in five of them.
Vikings Have A Lot Of Work To Do In The NFC North
Even though they are second place in the division, the Vikings still find themselves 3.5 games back of the division-leading Green Bay Packers. If Minnesota wants any hope of a postseason spot, they are going to have to start picking up wins in a hurry.
Leading the team under center is quarterback Kirk Cousins. This season, he has thrown for 1,0953 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
Cousins’ leading targets thus far this season have been Justin Jefferson (43 receptions, 563 yards, three touchdowns), Adam Thielen (43 receptions, 471 yards, six touchdowns), and K.J. Osborn (28 receptions, 321 yards, two touchdowns).
On the ground, running back Dalvin Cook leads the way for the Vikings. He has rushed 98 times for 444 yards and two touchdowns in just five games.
The Vikings rank 12th in scoring defense allowing opponents an average of 22.4 points per game (29.7 on the road).
Baltimore Trying To Bounce Back After Bye Week
After an incredibly disappointing Week 7, the Baltimore Ravens are hoping the extended break has them ready to take down the Minnesota Vikings.
Lamar Jackson has once again been solid this year as he has thrown for 1,943 yards, ten touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also leads the team in rushing with 480 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries.
Jackson’s two main targets this season have been Marquise Brown (37 receptions, 566 yards, six touchdowns) and tight end Mark Andrews (37 receptions, 516 yards, three touchdowns).
Defensively, the Ravens rank 16th in points allowed per game at 23.4.
Take The Ravens To Win And Cover
While the Ravens are giving up the 16th-most points to opponents this season, they rank fourth in running yards allowed per game at 86.1. With such a stout run defense, it will be interesting to see the matchup with Dalvin Cook.
Assuming the Ravens can take care of the ball on offense and keep Cook in check, expect them to bounce back in this one and pick up another win in their quest to win the AFC North.
The Pick: Take the Ravens to win and to cover the spread.
