Minnesota Vikings (3-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
November 7, 2021 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Baltimore Ravens -5.5 ; Over/Under: 49.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings square off Sunday in a week 9 NFL showdown from M&T Bank Stadium. Minnesota is coming off a matchup versus the Cowboys. The Vikings ended up taking a four-point loss in that game. As for the Ravens, they’re fresh off a bye week. Baltimore last appeared in a blowout loss to the Bengals. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
The Vikings lost three of their first four games this year, beating the Seahawks while otherwise falling to the Bengals (OT), Cardinals and Browns. After wins over the Lions and Panthers, Minnesota lost to the Cowboys 20-16 this past weekend.
In the Cowboys defeat, the Vikings had a 10-3 lead at halftime but scored just six points from there. QB Kirk Cousins put up 184 yards with a TD, and Dalvin Cook led the rush with 78 yards on 18 carries. Adam Thielen added six catches for 78 yards and a score.
Over on the Ravens’ side, they lost 33-27 in OT to the Raiders in their opener, but then rattled off five straight wins over the Chiefs, Lions, Broncos, Colts and Chargers. Back on October 24 Baltimore took their first blowout loss of the year 41-17 to the Bengals.
In the loss to Cincinnati, the Ravens were outscored 28-7 in the second half. Quarterback Lamar Jackson finished on 257 yards with a touchdown, and also led the rush with 88 yards on 12 carries. Marquise Brown was the leading receiver with his five catches for 80 yards and a TD.
The Vikings are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games in Week 9 and 2-7 ATS in their last nine after an ATS loss. Minnesota is 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games overall as well.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are 4-0 ATS in their last four after an ATS loss and 3-1-1 ATS in their last five in Week 9. Baltimore is 5-2 ATS in their last seven at home and 4-1 ATS in their last five after a straight-up loss.
PICK: I’m going to try Minnesota here. The Vikings haven’t exactly been consistent this year, but they’ve been competitive. Minnesota hasn’t lost by more than a touchdown all season—their largest win was 13 points against the Seahawks as well for what it’s worth. The Vikings are going to need to tighten up their third-down plays, though; they went just 1-for-13 in the Cowboys loss.
As for Baltimore, I think they’ll be fine after the Bengals loss given that they’ve had an extra week to prepare for this one. Should be an interesting matchup, and I think the Vikings can get in there on a cover.
