5 best non-divisional matchups on the Vikings 2021 schedule

Vikings at Ravens – Week 9

Did someone order a Michael Pierce revenge game?

This contest against the Baltimore Ravens kicks off a series of difficult games for the Vikings that includes matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Minnesota’s defensive line will be put to the test as the fastest quarterback in the league, Lamar Jackson, can flash past defenders at the line of scrimmage in the blink of an eye.

With concerns over the Vikings’ pass-rushing talent opposite of Danielle Hunter, this matchup will demonstrate the line’s capabilities at getting to the quarterback and containing mobile passers.

The return of Pierce, paired with the addition of former New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, gives Minnesota one of the best run-stopping duos in the league on paper. Pierce’s return to Baltimore could be another body shot to the critics outrageously declaring his signing as a failed experiment.

This also marks the first time the Vikings will face off against former Minnesota Golden Gopher, Rashod Bateman.

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Being the third of four total matchups against AFC North opponents, if the Vikings are able to pull out at least two wins against the teams from this division by this point, there’s a very good chance Minnesota will be competing in the playoffs come January 2022.