TVA Predictions: Can the Vikings topple the Ravens in Week 7?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Everson Griffen
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Everson Griffen /

Adam Carlson:

Vikings win 23-17

It is weird to think that the Vikings have only played the Baltimore Ravens 5 times in franchise history, but the sixth meeting will find Minnesota victorious and tying up the all-time series at 3-3.

Offensively, fans should expect another big game from wide receiver Adam Thielen, who will be the most targeted player on the Vikings’ offense after Stefon Diggs sits out another week to recover from his groin injury. Thielen hauls in eight catches for 112 yards and a score in the contest, followed by Jerick McKinnon‘s 98 yards from scrimmage and a score as he separates himself further from Latavius Murry.

Laquon Treadwell continues his relevance in the offense, catching four passes for 63 yards, thanks to the extra snaps seen by the absent Michael Floyd and Stefon Diggs. He’ll have another big-time catch that gives a glimpse into his potential and make viewers want to see more from him.

Meanwhile, the Vikings defense will do a great job shutting down Baltimore’s run game. keeping them under three yards per rushing attempt for the contest and forcing them to pass the ball. Minnesota will keep the pressure high on Joe Flacco all day long, hitting him seven times and getting four total sacks and two interceptions, with Everson Griffen bringing down the quarterback twice.

The final score will be 23-17 in a game that is much closer than it should have been. Minnesota will have a 23-10 lead late in the fourth quarter, and Flacco will lead a Ravens drive to the end zone. The onside kick will fail, allowing Case Keenum to kneel the game out.