Baltimore at Minnesota

Now that Lamar Jackson is healthy and key defensive players are back in the lineup, the Ravens have returned to being an elite team, so disregard their 3-5 record. Baltimore put up 40 points in Buffalo and 41 versus Cleveland before Jackson was injured. Jackson returned last week after missing three games to help the Ravens easily beat the Dolphins on the road, 28-6.  Minnesota is not in Baltimore's class, even after a highly satisfying, 27-24, upset win against the Lions as 9.5-point road underdogs last week. Minnesota had failed to break the 22-point barrier during its previous four games. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy will be making only his fourth NFL start. The jury remains undecided on McCarthy. Minnesota ranks 26th in total yards and in passing yards. Getting defensive studs linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton healthy has made a considerable difference in Baltimore's defense as the Ravens have allowed an average of only 13 points a game during their last three games. The Ravens have dominated when playing NFC opponents, winning 13 of the past 16 times. Take the Ravens.