Ravens at Vikings Odds


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Purple will be the color of choice when the Baltimore Ravens travel to the Metrodome to clash with the Minnesota Vikings. Baltimore comes into the game on a two game losing streak after they were another victim of Carson Palmer’s last minute heroics against Cincinnati. The Raven offense only managed to score seven points in their last outing and will face another stern test in a Vikings D that has been dominant this season. Minnesota has mixed in big plays through the passing game with Brett Favre at the helm to go along with an electric running attack led by All-Pro Adrian Peterson. The Vikings are favored by 3 points with a total set at 43.5 according to the most recent odds.

QB Joe Flacco had the Raven fan base flying high after a 3-0 start that included a win at San Diego. The second year quarterback has shown much more confidence this year aside from struggling against the Bengals. He has thrown for almost 1300 yards and nine touchdowns but has been intercepted five times. The Ravens have also benefited from RB Ray Rice stepping up and showing that he is capable of being a #1 back in the NFL. The second year player out of Rutgers has averaged almost six yards per carry and has amassed almost 600 total yards on offense. Backup Willis McGahee has been opportunistic to say the least as he has scored seven times in limited duty. Baltimore’s defense has been the rock that has kept the Ravens competitive throughout the years. Ray Lewis and company have been hit with questionable penalties in their two losses that have had much to do with the final outcome. The secondary ranks towards the bottom of the league in pass defense and will have its hands full with a rejuvenated Brett Favre running the Vikings.

Head coach Brad Childress had many critics when Minnesota decided to sign Brett Favre just before the preseason got underway. Those critics have been silenced after a 5-0 start has vaulted the Vikings to the top of the NFC North. Favre has exceeded expectations, throwing for over 1000 yards and nine scores while turning over the ball only twice. The veteran has also publicly stated that this is the most talented team he has ever played on. Adrian Peterson has been his usual self by rushing for almost 500 yards and seven scores. Rookie Percy Harvin has done a little bit of everything for Minnesota. Harvin is leading the team in receiving with 18 catches for two touchdowns and is averaging over 31 yards per kick return. DE Jared Allen has been disruptive on the front line as the sixth year pro has 6.5 sacks and has forced three fumbles for the Vikings defense. Minnesota seems to have all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run in the NFC if everyone can stay healthy.

Baltimore is in a desperate situation here. They cannot afford a third straight loss heading into their bye week and will leave it all on the line Sunday with two weeks to rest. Minnesota is running hot right now, but they have benefited from a generous schedule that includes many of their stronger opponents at home. The Ravens have the front seven to be able to slow Minnesota’s running game. I like Baltimore a lot in this spot. Play: Baltimore +3

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