Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Can Baltimore Cover -3.5 Against Minnesota?

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Can Baltimore cover -3.5 and keep Minnesota under 36.5 in Saturday’s Week 2 matchup?

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Direct Answer

The Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction favors Baltimore to cover the 3.5-point spread and Minnesota to stay below the 36.5-point total. Baltimore looked significantly more complete in its preseason opener, defeating Philadelphia 24-7 despite resting almost all of its starters. The Ravens generated 31 first downs, produced 298 passing yards and held the Eagles to only six first downs and 83 passing yards.

Minnesota also enters Week 2 with a 1-0 preseason record after defeating the New York Giants 13-10, but the Vikings’ offense was considerably less productive. Minnesota’s defense played well and forced two interceptions, yet the Vikings managed only 13 points.

For this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction, the preferred side is Baltimore -3.5, while the preferred total is Under 36.5. A reasonable final-score projection is Baltimore Ravens 20, Minnesota Vikings 13.

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3.5

Pick: Under 36.5

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction Summary

The Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction comes down primarily to depth, defensive performance and what each team showed during Week 1.

Baltimore dominated Philadelphia from the opening whistle. The Ravens’ reserve players controlled possession, moved the chains consistently and prevented the Eagles from sustaining drives. The 24-7 final score was impressive, but the underlying numbers were even more encouraging for Baltimore.

Minnesota took a completely different route to victory. The Vikings defeated the Giants 13-10 in a low-scoring game in which the defense did most of the heavy lifting. That defensive performance makes Minnesota dangerous against the spread, particularly at home, but Baltimore’s depth creates a difficult matchup.

Ravens vs Vikings Prediction

Spread: Baltimore Ravens -3.5

Total: Under 36.5

Projected Score: Ravens 20, Vikings 13

Best Side: Ravens -3.5

Best Total: Under 36.5

Baltimore Record: 1-0 preseason

Minnesota Record: 1-0 preseason

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The biggest reason to favor Baltimore is that the Ravens demonstrated an ability to dominate despite keeping their primary starters on the sideline. That is especially valuable in preseason handicapping because depth becomes increasingly important as the game progresses.

Why the Ravens Are the Pick Against the Vikings

The most compelling argument in this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction is Baltimore’s Week 1 performance.

The Ravens defeated Philadelphia 24-7 while almost all of their starters watched from the sideline. That distinction matters because preseason games are often decided by which team has the stronger second- and third-string units.

Baltimore did not simply survive Philadelphia. The Ravens controlled the game statistically.

They finished with 31 first downs, while Philadelphia managed only six. Baltimore threw for 298 yards, compared with just 83 passing yards for the Eagles. Philadelphia also went 0-for-9 on third down, demonstrating how effectively Baltimore’s defensive reserves handled extended possessions.

That type of performance provides a strong foundation for backing Baltimore again.

The Ravens also committed only three penalties compared with Philadelphia’s 10. Preseason football is naturally volatile, and penalties, turnovers and missed assignments can dramatically change a game. Baltimore’s discipline helped eliminate some of that volatility.

For bettors evaluating the Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction, that is an important distinction.

A team can win a preseason game because of one explosive play or several turnovers. Baltimore’s Week 1 victory was different. The Ravens consistently won down after down.

Baltimore’s Passing Production Was Particularly Impressive

Quarterback Joe Fagnano was one of the biggest positives from Baltimore’s preseason opener.

Fagnano completed 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Baltimore also used Tyler Huntley and Austin Reed, with the three quarterbacks combining for 30 completions to 12 different receivers.

That distribution is important.

Preseason offenses frequently become predictable because backup quarterbacks have limited chemistry with the players around them. Baltimore’s quarterbacks were able to spread the football around and sustain drives despite working with reserve personnel.

Elijah Sarratt led the team with six receptions for 66 yards, while Matt Hibner caught five passes for 61 yards. Fagnano also connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a 16-yard touchdown.

The result was an offense that looked organized rather than simply opportunistic.

That gives Baltimore a significant advantage in a matchup where both teams will once again rely heavily on reserves.

Why Baltimore’s Defense Matters in This Matchup

The Ravens’ defensive performance is another major factor in this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction.

Baltimore allowed Philadelphia only seven points, with the Eagles’ touchdown coming late. Before that, the Ravens’ defense was close to producing a shutout.

Philadelphia’s inability to convert third downs was especially significant.

Going 0-for-9 on third down means the Eagles repeatedly failed to extend drives. That creates additional possessions for the offense and allows a defense to control field position.

Baltimore’s reserve defenders also demonstrated strong discipline, contributing to the Ravens’ overall control of the game.

That performance makes it easier to trust Baltimore against Minnesota because the Vikings’ offense did not show the same level of production in Week 1.

Minnesota scored only 13 points against New York.

If Baltimore’s defense can reproduce even a portion of its Week 1 performance, Minnesota could struggle to reach the 20-point mark.

Vikings vs Ravens: Why Minnesota Could Struggle

The Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction is not entirely one-sided.

Minnesota enters this matchup with a 1-0 record and just demonstrated that its defense can win a preseason game. The Vikings defeated the Giants 13-10 on the road, and forcing two interceptions was one of the biggest reasons for the victory.

The problem is that Minnesota’s offense did not provide much margin for error.

The Vikings scored only 13 points and failed to generate the type of explosive offensive production Baltimore showed against Philadelphia.

Minnesota established its running game on the opening possession, gaining 44 rushing yards before eventually settling for a field goal. That was encouraging, but the offense did not consistently turn yardage into points.

Kyler Murray played Minnesota’s opening series and completed two of three passes for 10 yards. J.J. McCarthy received an opportunity afterward, while Carson Wentz eventually delivered a late touchdown pass.

The quarterback rotation gives Minnesota experience, but the Week 1 offense did not look particularly dangerous.

That becomes a concern against a Baltimore defense that just held Philadelphia to seven points.

Minnesota’s Defense Could Keep the Game Close

The strongest argument against Baltimore covering the Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction is Minnesota’s defense.

The Vikings allowed only 10 points to the Giants and intercepted two passes.

A strong defensive performance can keep a preseason game within a field goal even when the offense struggles. Minnesota also has home-field advantage, which makes the +3.5-point spread more attractive.

However, Baltimore’s Week 1 performance was considerably more dominant.

The Ravens did not merely win by a few points. They controlled possession, generated 31 first downs and prevented Philadelphia from converting a single third down.

Minnesota will need its defense to create turnovers or consistently force Baltimore into long-yardage situations if it wants to cover.

That is possible.

But based on the Week 1 evidence provided, Baltimore has the more convincing overall profile.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Spread Analysis

The current spread is Baltimore -3.5, with Minnesota receiving 3.5 points at home.

That number creates an interesting question: Is Baltimore’s depth good enough to win by at least four points on the road?

The answer for this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction is yes.

Preseason spreads should not be evaluated exactly like regular-season spreads. Starting quarterback availability, playing-time expectations and depth-chart competitions are often much more important than season-long team statistics.

Baltimore’s Week 1 performance gives us evidence that its reserves can outperform expectations.

The Ravens rested almost all of their starters and still defeated Philadelphia by 17 points.

Minnesota also won its opener, but the Vikings won by only three points and scored 13 points.

That contrast is significant.

Why -3.5 Is the Preferred Side

Baltimore -3.5 offers a reasonable number because the Ravens’ defense and reserve offense both performed well in Week 1.

If Baltimore can establish a lead early, the Vikings will have to rely on their own reserve quarterbacks and skill-position players to keep pace.

That is where the Ravens have the advantage.

The safest approach to this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction is not to assume Baltimore will dominate from start to finish. Preseason games rarely follow that pattern.

Instead, the argument is that Baltimore’s overall depth gives the Ravens more opportunities to control the game across four quarters.

A 20-13 or 21-17 Baltimore victory would be enough to produce a cover.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Over/Under Analysis

The total is 36.5 points, and the preferred wager is Under 36.5.

This is one of the more straightforward elements of the Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction.

Both teams played low-scoring games in Week 1.

Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 24-7, producing 31 combined points.

Minnesota defeated New York 13-10, producing 23 combined points.

That means both Week 1 games finished below 36.5.

Of course, one game does not establish a reliable betting trend. But the way both games played out is more important than the final scores alone.

Baltimore’s defense consistently prevented Philadelphia from sustaining drives.

Minnesota’s offense produced only 13 points.

If those characteristics continue, reaching 37 points would require one team to significantly outperform its Week 1 offensive production.

Why the Under Makes Sense

The Under has several paths to winning this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction.

First, both defenses showed positive signs in Week 1.

Baltimore surrendered seven points.

Minnesota surrendered 10.

Second, both games demonstrated that neither offense is guaranteed to produce explosive scoring against competent defensive units.

Third, preseason scoring often becomes less predictable as quarterbacks and skill-position players rotate through the lineup.

Backup quarterbacks can create explosive plays, but they can also struggle with timing, protection and decision-making. Those inconsistencies frequently result in stalled drives.

The projected score of Baltimore 20, Minnesota 13 produces just 33 points, comfortably below 36.5.

Even a modestly higher-scoring game such as Baltimore 21, Minnesota 16 would still cash the Under.

Baltimore Ravens Week 1 Performance

Baltimore’s Week 1 victory over Philadelphia should be the primary reference point for this Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction.

The Ravens finished with 31 first downs and 298 passing yards.

Those numbers demonstrate sustained offensive efficiency.

Baltimore also showed strong defensive efficiency by limiting Philadelphia to six first downs and 83 passing yards.

The Ravens’ third-down defense was particularly impressive.

Philadelphia went 0-for-9 on third down.

That is the type of statistic that can carry over from one preseason game to another because it reflects execution rather than one isolated scoring play.

Baltimore also finished with only three penalties.

For a preseason team composed heavily of backups, that level of discipline is noteworthy.

The Ravens’ reserve players looked prepared, which is exactly what bettors want to see when backing a preseason favorite.

Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Performance

Minnesota’s 13-10 victory over the Giants was much different.

The Vikings’ defense performed well, but the offense was relatively conservative.

Minnesota gained 44 rushing yards on its opening possession but ultimately settled for a field goal.

Kyler Murray played one series, completing two of three passes for 10 yards.

J.J. McCarthy then received an opportunity before Carson Wentz eventually delivered a late touchdown pass.

Minnesota’s ability to win without significant offensive production is a positive sign for the Under.

It is less encouraging for Minnesota’s chances of covering against a Baltimore team that produced 24 points in its opener.

The Vikings will likely need another strong defensive performance to keep this game close.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Key Players

Joe Fagnano

Fagnano was one of Baltimore’s biggest offensive standouts in Week 1.

His 22-for-28 performance for 224 yards demonstrated accuracy and command of the offense.

If he receives significant playing time again, Baltimore should have a quarterback capable of keeping drives alive.

Tyler Huntley

Huntley’s experience gives Baltimore another capable option under center.

His presence also reduces the potential drop-off when Baltimore changes quarterbacks.

J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy is one of the most important players to monitor for Minnesota.

His development and performance during preseason action can influence the Vikings’ offensive ceiling.

If McCarthy can produce more consistently than Minnesota’s offense did in Week 1, the Vikings have a better chance of challenging Baltimore.

Carson Wentz

Wentz delivered a late touchdown pass in Minnesota’s opener and gives the Vikings another experienced quarterback option.

His ability to sustain drives against Baltimore’s reserves could be critical.

Ravens vs Vikings Betting Trends to Watch

When evaluating the Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction, several trends stand out from the information provided.

Baltimore Is 1-0 in the 2026 Preseason

The Ravens opened the preseason with a convincing 24-7 victory over Philadelphia.

Minnesota Is Also 1-0

The Vikings defeated the Giants 13-10.

Both Teams Produced Low-Scoring Week 1 Games

Baltimore’s game produced 31 combined points.

Minnesota’s produced 23.

Baltimore Demonstrated Strong Depth

The Ravens rested almost all of their starters and still dominated Philadelphia.

Minnesota Relied on Its Defense

The Vikings forced two interceptions and allowed only 10 points.

The Week 2 Total Is 36.5

That number is reachable, but the Week 1 evidence favors another relatively low-scoring contest.

What Could Make Baltimore -3.5 Lose?

No preseason prediction is guaranteed, and there are several scenarios that could derail the Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction.

The most obvious is turnover variance.

If Minnesota’s defense creates multiple short fields, the Vikings could score enough points to stay within three.

Another possibility is playing-time variance.

Preseason coaching decisions can change close to kickoff. If Baltimore unexpectedly limits its key reserve quarterbacks while Minnesota gives its top offensive players extended opportunities, the matchup could become much more competitive.

Special teams are another concern.

A punt return, kickoff return or blocked kick can dramatically change a preseason spread.

That is why bettors should avoid treating Baltimore -3.5 as a lock.

The recommendation is based on the information available and the performance demonstrated in Week 1.

What Could Make the Under 36.5 Lose?

The Under faces its biggest threat from turnovers and defensive touchdowns.

Preseason games can become high-scoring quickly when inexperienced quarterbacks throw interceptions that create short fields.

A 14-point swing from turnovers could destroy an otherwise strong Under position.

Explosive special-teams plays are another threat.

Still, Baltimore and Minnesota each demonstrated defensive competence in Week 1, making a massive scoring explosion less attractive than the Under.

The projected 20-13 final score also leaves some room for variance.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Final Score

The projected final score is:

Baltimore Ravens 20, Minnesota Vikings 13

That projection supports both recommended wagers.

Baltimore wins by seven points, covering the -3.5 spread.

The teams combine for 33 points, staying below the 36.5-point total.

The score also fits the statistical profile established in Week 1.

Baltimore has the stronger offensive performance, while both teams have demonstrated capable defenses.

A 20-13 result is therefore a reasonable middle-ground projection rather than an expectation of a preseason blowout.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Best Bets

Best Spread Bet: Ravens -3.5

Baltimore’s depth was the biggest difference in Week 1. The Ravens dominated Philadelphia despite resting almost all of their starters, making them the preferred side against Minnesota.

Best Total Bet: Under 36.5

Both teams played low-scoring games in Week 1, and both defenses showed the ability to limit opposing offenses. The Under is the preferred total.

Final Prediction

Ravens 20, Vikings 13

Ravens -3.5

Under 36.5

Follow-Up Questions About Ravens vs Vikings

Who is favored in Ravens vs Vikings?

The Baltimore Ravens are favored by 3.5 points over the Minnesota Vikings in the Week 2 preseason matchup.

What is the Ravens vs Vikings over/under?

The betting total is 36.5 points.

What is the best Ravens vs Vikings bet?

The recommended spread bet is Baltimore -3.5.

What is the Ravens vs Vikings over/under prediction?

The recommended total is Under 36.5.

What is the predicted score for Ravens vs Vikings?

The projected final score is Ravens 20, Vikings 13.

Where is Ravens vs Vikings being played?

The game is scheduled for U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

When is Ravens vs Vikings?

The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Are the Ravens or Vikings 1-0 in the preseason?

Both teams enter Week 2 at 1-0. Baltimore defeated Philadelphia 24-7, while Minnesota defeated the New York Giants 13-10.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

Who should I pick in Ravens vs Vikings?

The recommended pick is Baltimore Ravens -3.5. Baltimore’s Week 1 performance was substantially more dominant than Minnesota’s, particularly when considering the fact that the Ravens rested almost all of their starters.

Should I bet the Ravens vs Vikings Over or Under?

The recommended wager is Under 36.5. Baltimore and Minnesota combined for only 31 and 23 points, respectively, in their preseason openers, while both defenses demonstrated the ability to limit opposing offenses.

Can the Vikings cover +3.5?

Minnesota can certainly cover +3.5, particularly because the Vikings are playing at home and their defense performed well in Week 1. However, Baltimore’s superior reserve performance makes the Ravens the preferred side.

Why are the Ravens favored?

Baltimore’s Week 1 performance provides the primary reason. The Ravens generated 31 first downs, threw for 298 yards and limited Philadelphia to six first downs and 83 passing yards.

Why is the Under favored in this prediction?

The Under is attractive because both teams allowed relatively few points in their preseason openers. Baltimore allowed seven points, Minnesota allowed 10, and Minnesota itself scored only 13.

What is the Ravens vs Vikings score prediction?

The projected score is Baltimore 20, Minnesota 13.

Is Baltimore -3.5 a good preseason bet?

Based on the supplied Week 1 performance and the expected depth matchup, Baltimore -3.5 is the preferred preseason wager. The Ravens showed that their reserve units can control a game, which is particularly important in August.

What is the safest Ravens vs Vikings pick?

There is no guaranteed preseason wager, but the preferred combination is Ravens -3.5 and Under 36.5. Baltimore’s depth supports the spread, while the defensive performances from both teams support the Under.

Final Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction

The Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction ultimately comes down to which team demonstrated the more reliable depth in Week 1. Baltimore has the stronger case.

The Ravens dominated Philadelphia 24-7 while resting almost all of their starters. They produced 31 first downs, accumulated 298 passing yards and held Philadelphia to just six first downs. Their defense also forced the Eagles into an 0-for-9 performance on third down.

Minnesota won its opener, but the 13-10 victory over the Giants was much more defensive-oriented. The Vikings forced two interceptions and allowed only 10 points, but their offense produced just 13 points.

That combination creates a favorable setup for both recommended wagers.

Baltimore’s ability to generate offense with reserve quarterbacks makes Ravens -3.5 the preferred side. Meanwhile, the defensive performances from both teams and Minnesota’s limited offensive output make Under 36.5 the preferred total.

The home-field advantage gives Minnesota a legitimate chance to keep the game competitive, but Baltimore’s depth should ultimately prove decisive.

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Baltimore Ravens -3.5

Ravens vs Vikings Preseason NFL Prediction: Under 36.5

Final Score Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 20, Minnesota Vikings 13