Now that they have momentum, the Ravens don't want to lose it.
Aiming for their third straight victory, the Ravens will face the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 10 matchup that's pivotal for both teams.
Baltimore (3-5) and Minnesota (4-4) were victorious on the road in Week 9, as their starting quarterbacks returned to the lineup. Lamar Jackson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Miami Dolphins. J.J. McCarthy threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in Minnesota's 27-24 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Here's everything you need to know about an interconference matchup between two teams that don't meet frequently:
Basics
Kickoff: 1 p.m., Sunday, U.S. Bank Stadium
TV: Local TV, WBFF Channel 45 (Baltimore), FOX crews Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst), Allison Williams (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 139 or 385, National radio, ESPN radio. For affiliates in your area, click here:
History
The most famous meeting between these two teams was "The Snow Game" in December of 2013, which featured the wildest fourth quarter in Ravens history. Baltimore prevailed, 29-26, as the two teams combined for 36 points in the final two minutes on a snow-covered field at M&T Bank Stadium.
This is Baltimore's first visit to Minnesota since 2017. The Ravens lead the overall series, 4-3, but have never won in Minnesota (0-2).
Stakes
Baltimore has climbed into second place in the AFC North and winning this game would continue a surge back into the playoff hunt. A loss would drop the Ravens back to three games under .500, and they might have to win out from that point to make the playoffs. The Vikings are in a tough NFC North race, one game behind their three divisional rivals who are 5-3 entering Week 10. A victory would keep the Vikings right in the thick of things, while a loss would leave them alone in the division basement.
Storylines to Know
Can Baltimore thrive against Minnesota's blitz pressure?
The Vikings are coming off a game in which they sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff five times and hit him 11 times. Minnesota Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores had huge success blitzing Jackson in 2021 when Flores was with the Miami Dolphins. Jackson has flipped the script since then, becoming a quarterback who regularly excels against blitz pressure. Can the Vikings get to Jackson before he takes advantage of the pressure? How that plays out will play a major role in determining the outcome.
What impact will Dre'Mont Jones make in his Ravens debut?
Head Coach John Harbaugh said Jones will play against Minnesota after being acquired prior to the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Jones has 35.0 career sacks with 4.5 sacks in his last four games, and has the versatility to play on the defensive line or on the edge. The Ravens hope Jones helps them fluster McCarthy, who will be making just his fourth career start.
Can the Ravens limit Justin Jefferson's big plays?
Jefferson is unquestionably one of the NFL's top receivers (47 catches, 649 yards, two touchdowns), on his way to his sixth straight 1,000-yard season. No matter how the Ravens defend Jefferson, the Vikings won't be deterred from targeting him. Since 2024, the Vikings are 9-1 when Jefferson scores at least one touchdown. Keeping him in check is one of Baltimore's keys to victory.
X-Factor Players
CB Nate Wiggins
The Vikings have an exceptional wideout combination in Jefferson and Jordan Addison and Wiggins will be a busy man as Baltimore's top cover corner. Wiggins loves matching up against elite receivers and this game gives him that opportunity. Jefferson and Addison are likely to make plays, but Wiggins wants to prevent them from making them in crucial situations.
RB Derrick Henry
Averaging 104 yards over his last three games, Henry has been featured more lately, and the Ravens have reaped the rewards. He's had at least 19 carries in Baltimore's last three games, after not getting more than 18 carries in the first five games. Another strong game from Henry will give the Ravens offensive balance and keep them out of obvious passing situations against Minnesota's blitz.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton's talent and versatility could give a young quarterback like McCarthy major problems. Playing closer to the line of scrimmage since the trade for Alohi Gilman has allowed Hamilton to impact the game on a consistent basis. The Ravens' defensive resurgence will continue if the Vikings can't figure out how to deal with Hamilton.
