5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens – Week 9
By Chris Schad
Ham will have five or more receptions
You may think Justin Jefferson or Adam Thielen is the top option in the Vikings offense, but they’ll have to move over for Minnesota’s new WR1: C.J. Ham.
The Vikings fullback somehow wound up with more targets and receptions than Jefferson did last week and there’s a good chance the same thing could happen on the road in Baltimore.
On paper, the Ravens’ pass rush doesn’t look scary, ranking 24th in total sacks (15) and 25th in sack percentage (5.3 percent). But the Cowboys weren’t that intimidating ranking 28th in total sacks (12) and sack percentage (4.3 percent) after last week’s victory over the Vikings.
With Jimmy Smith allowing a 44.9 passer rating when targeted this season, it could force Kirk to move to his second read. That could be trouble even with Garrett Bradbury contracting COVID-19 and lead to the same checkdowns we saw last week.
There is a chance that Cousins could target Marlon Humphrey instead, who has a 110.8 passer rating and four touchdowns allowed this season. It’s just a matter of trusting the two best receivers in the game and throwing the ball downfield.