Vikings vs. Ravens: 3 Bold Predictions
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-4 in a season that has been disappointing overall for a team expected to be right there in the NFC North race. Hopefully, last week’s victory over the Detroit Lions can unlock some of the magic that carried the club a year ago.
Vikings vs. Ravens: 3 Bold Predictions
Baltimore is favored by more than a field goal as the road team. To secure the win, the Vikings need some strong performances from key players. Here are some bold predictions for the game that would certainly help.
1. Two Takeaways for Vikings Secondary
Last year, Brian Flores’ unit ranked first in the league with 33 turnovers and they ranked second in turnover percentage with 16.6%. This year, the nine takeaways rank the franchise 17th and the turnover percentage of 10.2% ranks them 17th.
Turnovers are hard to predict, but at some point, players with a knack for the ball will make plays. Harrison Smith is the active NFL leader in interceptions with 37, Bryon Murphy led all CBs with six interceptions a year ago and Jonathan Greenard had four forced fumbles, placing him among the league leaders.
Now, the problem could be that Lamar Jackson doesn’t turn the ball over that often. He has one interception in 2025 and in the previous three campaigns, he had only 18 picks total. Some passers record that many in one season. Derrick Henry has fumbled three times this year and could be attacked, too.
Kevin O’Connell is 34-4 when his team is at least tying the turnover battle.
2. Marlon Humphrey Beaten for Deep Touchdown
The Ravens feature some excellent players in their secondary and they undoubtedly have one of the better units in the league. Justin Jefferson and his wingmen will meet the top corners — Marlon Humphrey, a four-time Pro Bowler, and Nate Wiggins, last year’s first-rounder.
As always, Minnesota’s opponent has to find a way to slow down Jefferson, and they could opt for the classic mix of sending one corner and one safety his way. When the safeties rotate to his side of the field, that makes the other cornerback vulnerable.
Humphrey is a good corner, actually being named All-Pro after last season. However, he has not always been the best against speed and the Vikings have the players to punish that in Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor. One of them will get him deep once.
3. Two Greenard Sacks
Vikings top rusher Jonathan Greenard has only two sacks this season. Mind you, that’s a guy with 12 and 12.5 sacks in the last two years, respectively.
He’s still generating pressure all season, but he’s just not finishing the plays and allowing quarterbacks to keep plays alive. Maybe having Andrew Van Ginkel back on the field will open some opportunities for Gink’s partner in crime.
Lamar Jackson is hard to bring down because he can wiggle out of pressure like few others, but his playmaking drive could still help Greenard get his hands on the two-time MVP a couple of times. This season, Lamar has already been sacked 17 times in only five games. Last year, he took 23 in 17 games.
On Sunday, Greenard will record two takedowns.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.