Amidst the absolute chaos that is the NFL currently, Week 9 mercifully continues on Sunday, signaling the return of Baltimore Ravens football.
On Sunday, the Ravens will play host to the other purple team, the Minnesota Vikings, as they look to rebound from their home drubbing at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.
That loss to the Bengals was alarming, certainly, and saw the Ravens slip to second in the AFC North. However, thanks to the New York Jets, the Ravens are back in control of the AFC North so long as they beat the Vikings.
In order to keep pace with the top of the AFC and reassert themselves after their dismal Week 7 loss, a win is crucial. Fortunately, the Ravens are positioned well to do just that.
Following their bye week, Baltimore has had extra time to get some key contributors back from injury, including Sammy Watkins, and the bye week has treated the team very well throughout John Harbaugh’s tenure.
The Vikings, meanwhile, are dealing with injuries of their own, and are fresh off a disappointing loss to the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys, leaving them with a 3-4 record and searching for answers.
The Ravens have a tough schedule to finish out the season, with their final seven games coming against division foes, the Green Bay Packers, and the Los Angeles Rams. Their run-in only increases the importance of winning this week’s game against the Vikings.
To do so, look to these matchups as the keys to a Ravens win.