The Baltimore Ravens are flying into Minnesota with a clear mission: turn a middling season around and keep their playoff hopes alive. With quarterback Lamar Jackson back from a hamstring injury, the offense gets a much-needed spark after some early struggles. Sitting at 3-5, a win against the 4-4 Vikings would get the Ravens closer to .500 and give coach John Harbaugh some breathing room. Expect Baltimore to focus on protecting Jackson, using quick reads, and dialing up designed quarterback runs to attack a fast and aggressive Vikings front.
Lamar Jackson Reportedly Removes Ping-Pong Table From Ravens Locker Room (Screenshot via X/@jamisonhensley)
The entire Ravens offense revolves around the mobility of Lamar Jackson. His efficiency and control are undeniable this season, as he has thrown for 1,073 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception. The numbers tell the story: when Jackson has time to operate, Baltimore’s offense hums, but when he’s under pressure, the entire operation grinds to a halt.
That approach will be put to the test on Sunday. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, is known for favoring aggressive looks and heavy blitz packages. Flores has successfully trapped Jackson with these schemes in past matchups, and you can bet he will try it again. Consequently, the Ravens’ pass protection, from slide schemes to quick-release concepts, has to be much sharper than it was at the beginning of the season.
Even the betting markets anticipate a tight contest. Baltimore opened as a 4.5-point favorite, a line that reflects confidence in Jackson’s recent form and the team’s two-game surge. A victory would move the Ravens to 4-5 and shift the narrative from a rebuilding year to a resurgent one. However, with the Vikings at 4-4 and holding a home-field advantage, this game is anything but a guaranteed win.
The Vikings will also enter the game with an updated injury report and a defensive rotation that has proven capable of stopping the run and generating sacks. This matchup will be won in the trenches, where situational discipline will be the deciding factor.
Ultimately, this game is about leverage. A single victory here gives Baltimore crucial momentum and practical breathing room in the crowded AFC playoff picture. More importantly, it would prove that Jackson can lead the team through a midseason correction when it matters most.
If the offensive line can protect Jackson and the offense can win the short-yardage battles, Baltimore could leave U.S. Bank Stadium with more than just a win. They could walk away with tangible proof that their season is far from over.