Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens Matchup Preview (11/07/2021)
By Max Heering
The 3-4 Minnesota Vikings have shown flashes of dominance this season but have also really struggled to score. Last week, they struggled to score. They lost 20-16 to a Dallas Cowboys team without Dak Prescott. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for only 184 yards and one touchdown. The Viking’s defense gave up a lot of yards but also had three sacks and one interception.
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It is tough to read the 5-2 Baltimore Ravens. They have an excellent record but are coming off a devastating 41-17 loss two weeks ago to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Raven’s offense mightily struggled scoring touchdowns and ended up punting six times. Quarterback Lamar Jackson only completed 15 of 31 passes and only threw one touchdown. However, the Ravens defense was the real story in this game. They allowed Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to throw for 416 yards and three touchdowns. They also allowed running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine to each rush for one touchdown and a combined 111 yards.
Viking vs. Ravens Predictions
This game could go either way, but I am going to give the Ravens the upper hand. They are playing at home, and I expect Lamar Jackson to bounce back after his last game and use his rest from his bye week. The Vikings are also just far too inconsistent to count on to beat a team like the Ravens. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has shown moments of solid play but a lot more moments where he cannot handle the pressure.
This game will not be a blowout. The Vikings will keep it close, and there will be a fair bit of punting. But, Lamar Jackson will step up when it matters most and win the game for his team.