Prediction: Ravens at Vikings, 10.18.09
October 18th, 2009 | by Kevin Hanson |A 3-0 start. Back-to-back weeks on top of the ESPN Power Rankings. That seems like an eternity ago. Two weeks (and losses) later, the Ravens find themselves tied for second place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cincinnati Bengals, who beat the Ravens last week, are in first place in the division and have beaten all three of their division opponents.
In week 6, both the Bengals and the Steelers are home favorites against the Texans and Browns, respectively.
On the other hand, the Ravens are three-point underdogs as they face the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m. today. So far, the Vikings have faced relatively easy competition getting three of their five wins against Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis.
In my opinion, here are the three keys to today’s game:
1. Keep Adrian Peterson in check. That’s easier said than done, but the Ravens have allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the past 40 games. Unfortunately, the one was in their last game against Cincinnati. For a team that did not allow a 100-yard rusher for 39 straight weeks, I can’t see them allowing back-to-back 100-yard rushers. I’d rather make Brett Favre, who’s fourth in the NFL in QB rating (104.1), beat us.
2. Win the turnover battle. Favre is the all-time leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards, etc. But he’s also the all-time leader in interceptions. On the season, Favre has thrown nine touchdowns and only two interceptions in five games. Last year, Peterson led running backs in fumbles (9). But in 2009, the Vikings lead the NFL in takeaways/giveaways with a +8.
3. Protect Joe Flacco. The Vikings lead the NFL in sacks (18). But the Ravens have allowed only seven sacks on the season. However, they’ve allowed four sacks in their past two games and left tackle Jared Gaither is inactive again for today’s game. Rookie Michael Oher will start at left tackle and Marshall Yanda at right tackle.
The Ravens are as hungry as ever for a win. With their back against the wall, the Ravens will head into their bye week with a win.
Prediction: Baltimore 24, Minnesota 23
Tags: Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, Jared Gaither, Joe Flacco, Michael Oher
