The Baltimore Ravens won their third consecutive game, winning 27-19 against the Minnesota Vikings in Lamar Jackson’s career 100th start. They forced three turnovers on offense and played a good offensive game.

If the Steelers lose to the Chargers in Sunday Night Football, the Ravens could fall one game behind the Steelers for first place in AFC North. Jackson has now won 73 games in his career. He is only one win behind Tom Brady (76), Patrick Mahomes (88) and Roger Staubach (76) for the most wins a quarterback can have after their first 100 starts.

John Harbaugh, Ravens coach and post-game press conference speaker, said that the difference was in penalties and turnovers. The Ravens only committed one pre-snap foul and didn’t turn over the ball on offense. The Vikings were flagged thirteen times for 102 yard – including eight fake starts (at home!) The Vikings were flagged 13 times for 102 yards – including eight false starts (at home!) This is not a recipe for winning.

The Ravens’ game on Sunday started as badly as it could have. The Ravens received the kickoff, and went three-and out immediately. This was the beginning of a frustrating half for the offense. Jalen Nilor’s 61-yard catch and run allowed the Vikings to march down the field, scoring a touchdown. 7-0, Minnesota.

The second quarter saw both teams trade field goals and punts before the game-changing play. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw a deep pass intended for wideout Justin Jefferson that was too high, and Ravens rookie Malaki Starks swooped in to make his second career interception. The Ravens’ offense was only able to convert the turnover into 3 points. However, another quick stop from the Ravens defense allowed them enough time to kick Tyler Loop’s third field goal of the game.

The Ravens were lucky that they only trailed by one point. Their offense, however, was unable to score in the end zone despite getting into the red zone two times. This has been an ongoing problem for the Ravens this season. The Ravens’ defense kept them in it. The Ravens only allowed 70 yards in the second half after giving up 86 and a touchdown to the Vikings on their opening drive.

Baltimore won the game in the first five minutes. The Vikings had the ball at first but gave it up quickly. McCarthy floated a deep ball again to Jefferson who fell to the ground trying to catch the pass. Marlon Humphrey was left all alone. He caught the ball as if it were a punt and returned yardage, giving the Ravens a strong start. The Ravens offense made it to the 4-yard line, but settled for another field-goal.

Keondre, a rookie safety who was not drafted by the Ravens, continued his outstanding special teams performance on the kickoff. He forced against Vikings kick-returner Myles Price and recovered. The Ravens didn’t waste this opportunity. Todd Monken threw a clever pass to Jackson for a 3rd and 1 conversion. Justice Hill then punched a 1-yard touchdown into the end zone three plays later, giving the Ravens a 19-10 lead midway through third quarter.

Price again fumbled on his return, after running into his blockers. However, the Ravens were unable to dive on the ball when it bounced off several players. The Vikings’ drive was ruined by penalties, but the Ravens were able to go 3-and-out. Tyler Loop then kicked a 56 yard field goal just left of the uprights. This is only his second miss this year. Minnesota’s field goal brought the Vikings to within six points. Baltimore responded with their best drive on the day.

The Ravens, starting from their 33-yard line (six carries of 39 yards plus an 8-yard reception), went to Derrick Henry seven times in their first eight plays to push the ball into Vikings territory. Jackson found Andrews to score the veteran tight-end’s third touchdown in just two weeks. The 11-play, 65-yard drive took only 6:36. With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Vikings were down by 14 points after wideout Rashod bateman’s easy two-point conversion.

Baltimore’s win probabilities were at 96.9% or, as Ravens fans call it, “the danger zone”. The Ravens offense took only 3:19 to complete their two next drives. The Vikings scored a touchdown between them, showcasing two McCarthy-to Nailor connections. A 28-yard scramble on fourth down was followed by a spectacular toe drag in the back end zone.

McCarthy’s errant passing allowed the Vikings to get the ball back 1:44 into the game, but they were unable to advance beyond midfield. It took just one kneel for the Ravens to end the clock and walk out of Minnesota with a crucial victory as they try to get back into the AFC playoff picture.