The Baltimore Ravens (3-5), coming off of two consecutive wins, including an impressive performance in Miami are 4.5 point favorites for their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Ravens have been rated as road favorites in the second week of a row. However, the Vikings will be a much tougher opponent than the Dolphins. The return of Lamar Jackson, and the resurgence in the defense has raised expectations in Baltimore and Las Vegas.

Jackson played the Vikings only once during his career. It was in 2021, when both teams looked very different. This was the season prior to general managers Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell arriving in Minnesota, completely remaking the team. The Ravens roster and coaching staff have also changed a lot since then.

J.J. McCarthy returned to action after an injury and the Vikings won 27-24 over the Detroit Lions. The Vikings’ defense sacked Jared Goff 5 times, and their ground game amassed 142 rushing yard on 29 carries (5.9 yards per carry). Both of those could be problems for the Ravens this Sunday, but it’s impossible to deny how much better the team looks now that Jackson is back.

48.8 points (–115/-105)