Baltimore Ravens
vs.
Minnesota Vikings
Week 7
NFL Pick
10/22/17
By: Jason Green
Baltimore Ravens (3-3 SU 3-3 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-2 SU 3-3 ATS)
After a 2-0 start the Ravens have lost three of their last Four Games and they were upset in their last Game losing to the Chicago Bears, who only had one win. Joe FlACCo has one of the biggest contracts in the league, but Baltimore ranks 2nd to last in the league in passing yards per Game, but their rushing offense is solid. The strength of the team is the defense, which ranks 11th in the league in points allowed per Game.
At 5 dimes sportsbook the Vikings are 5.5-point favorites with a total of 40.
The Vikings have won their last two Games and they have an easier path to the NFC North crown since in beating the Green Bay Packers in their last Game Aaron Rodgers suffered an injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks. Minnesota ranks 12th in the league in both passing and rushing yards per Game, but the strength of their team is their defense, which ranks 5th in the league only allowing 17.2 ppg.
The Ravens are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five Games facing the Vikings.
In their last Game the Ravens lost to the Chicago Bears 27-24 in OT. Baltimore was out-GAined 342 yards to 291 yards and they were torched on the ground giving up 231 rushing yards. It did not help that the Ravens committed three turnovers and only converted three of their 18 3rd downs. FlACCo passed for 180 yards, but did not have any TD and he had two INT and the team has been hurt this season since they have a less than stellar WR corps.
The Ravens RB duo of Alex Collins and Javorius Allen combined for 123 rushing yards in the loss to Chicago and with FlACCo throwing two picks in three of his last Four Games they will be counted on, big time, in this Game. However, they will be up against a Minnesota run defense that ranks 6th in the league.
In their last Game the Vikings beat the Packers 23-10 where they knocked out Rodgers and out-GAined Green Bay 351 yards to 227 yards. They held the Packers to 72 rushing yards and their run D will be key in this non-Conference match up with the Ravens. In the Green Bay Game Case Keenum passed for 239 yards with a TD and a pick and the team rushed for 112 yards led by Jerick McKinnon, who rushed for 69 yards averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
The Minnesota defense held the Packers scoreless and since Baltimore is not a high scoring team they have a great chance to move to 5-2 if they can play good run defense and Keenum limits his mistakes.
The Ravens are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road Games, 5-14-2 ATS in their last 21 Games following a straight up loss, and in their last 5 Games in October the Over record is 3-1-1.
The Vikings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home Games, 21-8 ATS in their last 29 Games following a ATS win, and in their last 5 Games the Under record is 4-1.
Jason’s Pick: The Ravens have won two of their three road Games on the season, but they are in for a long Sunday in this one. They will try to run the ball, but will not have much success and with FlACCo having to carry the team with his arm it will not work out well. Minnesota will handle the Ravens in this Game, as they will win easily and cover the spread.