The Baltimore Ravens are facing a critical Week 10 showdown on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. Baltimore (3-5) is looking to make a playoff push and win their third straight game. With Lamar Jackson back for his second straight week, it's easy to feel confident about this possibility. Regardless, the Vikings (4-4) are hardly a pushover team.
In the NFL, seemingly, each week, a surprising player makes an impact that could flip the game. Last week, we saw Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews, and Malaki Starks, among others, rise to the occasion en route to a win over the Miami Dolphins. This week, Rashod Bateman may be poised to flip the game for the Ravens. Let's dive into why Bateman could be in line for a big week.
Rashod Bateman could be game-changer for Ravens on Sunday
The Vikings rank eighth in opposing passing yards per game and have a formidable overall defense. However, they are vulnerable. Notably, over the past three weeks, the Vikings have given up 256 passing yards per game, a number that translates to 30th in the league. The Ravens must take advantage of the Vikings' recently floundering passing defense.
Zay Flowers, Jackson's top target, will command a ton of attention from the Vikings' defense. This will open up opportunities for Bateman as a deep threat. Minnesota is especially vulnerable against No. 2 receivers. Recently, they've given up 66 yards and a touchdown to Jameson Williams and 183 yards and a touchdown to DeVonta Smith. Both players are a fairly similar mold to Bateman.
Thus far, Bateman has had a relatively quiet season, posting 182 yards and two touchdowns. Nevertheless, with Jackson back in the fold, it's fair to expect Bateman's production to ramp up, and he's been a proven contributor for the Ravens in recent years. Bateman found the endzone once last week, catching two targets for 13 yards. Last year, Bateman had a career-best season, recording 756 yards and nine touchdowns.
Bateman averages 12.8 yards per reception, which puts him in a class of elite deep threats. He is an explosive receiver who opens up the game for Jackson. It wouldn't shock me if Bateman breaks through for a couple of big plays on Sunday, which could ultimately flip the game for the Ravens.
In my eyes, the blueprint to beating the Vikings is to get multiple weapons involved, and Bateman should be a big part of that. Overall, it seems like Bateman is primed for a bounce back end of the season, and it could start on Sunday.