Ravens vs Vikings Odds - Peterson leads perfect Vikings past Ravens
Brett Favre was a boost to Minnesota’s sports betting odds when he joined the team in the offseason, but Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the league and the star of the Vikings’ offense. Minnesota will try to get Peterson going early and often when they host Baltimore on Sunday, and last year’s leading rusher will carry his team to another victory.
Ravens vs Vikings Odds: Vikings -2.5 (O/U 43.5)
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Ravens vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Ravens (3-2) have dropped their last two games, and a lot of it came down to mental errors like penalties, as well as a couple of controversial calls. The Vikings (5-0) are rolling with Brett Favre at quarterback, and the veteran is showing he can be a game-manager instead of his old gun-slinging self. Betting Edge: Baltimore
Ravens vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Offense
Joe Flacco tossed a pair of picks in last week’s 17-14 loss to Cincinnati, but that shouldn’t steer online betting players away from the sophomore pivot. Flacco leads the No.5 offense in the NFL, and he’s aided by an excellent running game. Flacco also uses all of his weapons: five players have at least 200 receiving yards on the Ravens. Adrian Peterson hasn’t ran for over 100 yards since the first week of the season, and Favre has been playing out of his mind. However, the Vikings know what their bread and butter is, so look for Peterson to get lots of work to begin the day. The Vikings are only 19th in offense, which may be surprising, but they don’t have to take a lot of chances. Also, Peterson has averaged 113 yards in 17 games at the Metrodome. Betting Edge: Vikings
Ravens vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Ravens have taken some bad penalties in their last two games, and Ray Lewis’ hit on Chad Ochocinco was a major reason that Baltimore lost to Cincinnati. The Ravens are still 10th in the league in defense, and Ed Reed ran a pick back for a score against the Bengals, but they’ll need to be more disciplined to be a legitimate sportsbook player in the NFL. Your best bet against the Vikings is through the air, where they are 18th in pass defense. That means you have to deal with Jared Allen, who followed up his 4.5-sack performance against Green Bay with a 52-yard fumble recovery in last week’s 38-10 beating of St. Louis. The Vikings are missing Darren Sharper’s veteran presence in the secondary, but Allen’s pass-rush abilities are a big help. Betting Edge: Baltimore
Ravens vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
For the Ravens, tackle Jared Gaither (neck) missed the Cincinnati game, which allowed first-round pick Michael Oher to make his first start. Tackle Phil Loadholt (ankle) is trying to get healthy after missing last week’s game. Betting Edge: Draw
Ravens vs Vikings odds for total: Totals (43.5)
Three of their last five meetings have fallen under the posted total, but neither defense has really performed up to par so far this season. Combined with the cozy confines of the Metrodome, and it could be a big night for Favre, Flacco and company. Pick: Over 43.5
Ravens vs Vikings betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is a massive game for the Ravens, who need a win to stay in the AFC North hunt after starting the season 3-0. But the Vikings are tough at the Metrodome, winning eight of their last 10 at home. The key to this game will be Peterson. The Ravens allowed a 100-yard rusher for the first time in 40 games last week when Cedric Benson overtook Peterson for the rushing lead, and you can bet that Peterson has studied that tape. DJ’S PICK: Vikings -2.5
For more info and tips when betting NFL odds, bookmark The Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Ravens vs Vikings matchup, check out our stats section. D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.
