The Vikings are coming off a home loss on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys and their backup QB, Cooper Rush. This week they travel to Baltimore to square off against the Ravens, one of the best teams in the NFL. Coached by John Harbaugh and led by former MVP QB, Lamar Jackson, the Ravens look to come out of their bye week with a statement win. Here are some key numbers in this matchup:
The Ravens are 10-3 under Harbaugh following their bye week.
The Ravens have won 11 straight games against NFC opponents, longest in the NFL.
Davin Cook is 4th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 88.8.
QB Cousins is 2-0 against the Ravens in his career (both when he played for Washington).
The Vikings offense needs to play better on Sunday if they are going to have a chance to win this game. Dalvin Cook needs to get hot early and have a big day, while the passing game and QB play needs to figure it out. Against the Cowboys, superstar WR Justin Jefferson recorded 2 catches and FB CJ Ham recorded 3 catches. What the hell?? QB Cousins is being paid too much money to be playing that poorly. He needs to be the leader of the offense. The defense is going to have their work cut out for them but they have been playing well enough this year to give us a chance to win most of the games. One guy to keep an eye on is former Minnesota Gophers WR, Rashod Bateman. He is currently questionable to play with a groin injury, but he is coming off his best outing - recording 3 receptions for 80 yards - and I always like seeing former Gophers do well in the NFL!
While I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings can pull out a victory on Sunday to get back to .500, it would be foolish to bet on the Vikings in this matchup (Ravens are favored by 6.5 points). The Ravens have the better QB, Head Coach, Special Teams, overall team, and they're playing at home. I predict a Ravens victory in this one, 30-20. Hopefully the Vikings can put together a nice gameplan and come out with the victory! Go Vikings!
