A defensive struggle is expected on Sunday afternoon, as the Baltimore Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 on CBS. The Ravens come into the game at 3-3 and a game out of first place in the AFC North, while the Vikings are 4-2 and tied with Green Bay for first in the NFC North. The Ravens and Vikings have not met since 2013 when it was Baltimore winning 29-26 at home. Surprisingly, the last three meetings between the teams have gone over the total.
This matchup in Week 7 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Baltimore Ravens +4.5
Minnesota Vikings -4.5
Over/Under 39.5
Odds Analysis
There has been some big early movement on this game, as the line has gone up to 5.5, as bettors are all over the Vikings. The Ravens are fortunate to be 3-3 on the season, as they have not looked good, especially on offense. The Ravens three wins this season are against the Bengals, Browns and an Oakland team that was missing Derek Carr. Joe Flacco looks like he has completely forgotten how to play quarterback and the Ravens have no running game. The question in this contest is whether or not a Minnesota team with Case Keenum at quarterback can be trusted laying almost a touchdown. I am surprised the total has not moved, as I expect it to be bet down from the current number of 39.5.
Injury Report
Jeremy Maclin – The Ravens badly missed Maclin last week in their loss to the Bears. Baltimore’s offense is not very good to begin with and without Maclin, they are even worse. He has a shoulder injury and it is unclear if he will be ready for this week’s game.
Maxx Williams – The Ravens also lost their tight end last week, as Williams suffered an ankle injury. For many teams the loss of a tight end would not be a big deal but with Flacco playing so poorly, the tight end is one of the few targets he can hit.
Sam Bradford – The Vikings really have no idea when Bradford is going to be ready. His knee is simply a mess and he may never be fully healthy again. The Vikings did activate Teddy Bridgewater this week but he probably needs at least a couple of weeks of practice to get in game shape.
Stefon Diggs – The Vikings top receiver missed last week’s game with a groin injury. Minnesota was able to survive last week without him but that was against a Green Bay team that was without Aaron Rodgers for most of the game.
Key Stat
The Ravens have not played well on the road recently, as they are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. They have also played poorly in the month of October, as they are 7-18-2 ATS in their last 27 games in October. Baltimore will be facing a Minnesota team that has been excellent at home, as the Vikings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Free ATS Pick
Bettors want nothing to do with the Ravens in this contest, as they are betting Minnesota. That immediately has me considering Baltimore in this game, as I always like to go against the public. I also have major issues laying points with the Vikings. The problem I have with taking Baltimore is that it looks like Flacco is done. He just doesn’t look like a competent NFL quarterback any longer and he is going against a Minnesota defense that is 5th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed and 5th in fewest points allowed. Baltimore does have a good defense, as they rank 11th in the league in fewest points allowed, so I think the best option in this contest is to simply take the game under the total.
NFL Odds: Vikings 20, Ravens 14
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