Ravens vs. Vikings Point Spread: NFL Week 10 Odds, Prediction
With two straight wins and the return of two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens appear to have righted their ship. They travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET.
The Vikings are another franchise that just returned its starting quarterback. J.J. McCarthy had been out since Week 2 with a high ankle sprain, but his return sparked a massive, 27-24 division road win at the Detroit Lions that brought Minnesota back to .500.
Jackson started under centre for Baltimore for the first time since Week 4. He threw four touchdowns and Derrick Henry rushed for 119 yards, as the Ravens handled the Miami Dolphins, 28-6, to improve to 3-5.
Both teams are trending upwards, and the Ravens are buoyed by some important trade pieces on defence. Can they go on a run and catch the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North?
Baltimore is a 4-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with the total set at 49.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Ravens are 1-2 against the spread on the road this season, while Minnesota is 1-2 ATS at home.
Both teams have played several high-scoring games. Minnesota has played to the over a league-high 87.5 per cent (seven of eight games) of the time, while Baltimore is close behind, playing to the over six times in eight games.
Jackson is -150 to throw more than 1.5 touchdowns, something he has done in four of his five starts. He will face Minnesota’s eighth-ranked pass defence on Sunday.
Jackson is also -115 to pass and rush for more or less than 268.5 combined yards. He’s done that twice this season. However, as he’s just returned from a hamstring injury, the game plan may continue to keep him from running the ball too much.
Baltimore Ravens
Jackson’s return changes Baltimore’s outlook entirely. The team averaged 14.3 points without him, and is averaging 31.8 points with him. His presence boosts Henry’s performance as well, as the running back topped 100 yards for just the third time this season against the Dolphins.
The defence has also gotten a boost. After allowing a league-worst 35.4 points through five weeks, the Ravens are now the first team in the league to hold three straight opponents to 17 points or less.
The team picked up Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers, and just traded for Dre’Mont Jones of the Tennessee Titans, who has 4.5 sacks in his last four games.
Minnesota Vikings
It may not be pretty, but McCarthy always finds a way to win. He is 65-4 as a starter, dating back to his high school days. So, even though he went just 14 for 25 for 143 yards and an interception against the Lions, he also accounted for three total touchdowns and had a key 16-yard pass to Jalen Nailor late that sealed the win. His presence could have a Bo Nix-type impact on the Vikings’ long-term success, if he can remain healthy.
The defence held Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to 65 yards on 20 carries. They’ll be tasked with a similar difficult task in stopping Henry on Sunday.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Ravens vs. Vikings?
If the Ravens were a stock, now would be the time to buy. The Vikings have good vibes as well, but with McCarthy, there will be the ups and downs that come with a first-year quarterback under center.
The last time McCarthy led Minnesota to a 27-24 division road win, the Vikings were smoked at home the following week. A similar narrative could take place on Sunday. Look for the Ravens to extend their winning streak to three with a 27-20 victory.
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