Minnesota Vikings: How Many Points Can They Score Against the Ravens?

Is Mike Zimmer on the hot seat? The Minnesota Vikings coach might feel the heat after losing a home game to the Cowboys’ backup quarterback, but he’ll get a chance to redeem himself in Week 9 in the Vikings vs. Ravens matchup. The Vikings are 5.5-point underdogs in this game, according to the NFL betting lines from BetMGM.

Minnesota’s offense has put up big numbers this season, but that high-powered offense was nowhere in Week 8. Read on to find out how the Vikings offense can find its way in NFL Week 9.

Vikings and Ravens Look To Move On From Ugly Losses

The Ravens were riding high before their game against Cincinnati in Week 7. Then Joe Burrow and the Bengals hung 41 points on the Baltimore defense and sent the Ravens into the bye week with a loss.

John Harbaugh’s team has had two weeks to get over that loss, and they now host a Vikings team desperate for a win. The Vikings, meanwhile, need to quickly move on from their embarrassing loss to the Cowboys, in which they allowed Dallas backup quarterback Cooper Rush to throw for 300 yards.

The Vikings Offense Should Look To Be More Aggressive

The Vikings have the seventh-best offense in the NFL in terms of yards per game, but rank 18th for points scored per game. If Minnesota is going to compete in this game, the Vikings must take shots downfield.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is averaging just 7.1 yards per attempt in 2021, which would match his lowest Y/PA since his second season. Despite having two of the best receivers in the NFL in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, the Minnesota offense is hesitant to push the ball downfield.

Baltimore’s Defense Is Vulnerable Through the Air

The Ravens defense could be just what the Vikings offense needs to get back on track. Baltimore ranks last in the NFL in pass defense, giving up 296.1 yards per game. The Ravens’ defense has been even worse over the last three games. Baltimore has allowed an average of 327 passing yards in their previous three contests.

Minnesota needs to throw the offensive game plan from last week out the window. If Zimmer and his coaches don’t open up the offense, Zimmer may be facing his final days as the Vikings head coach.

Cousins had been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season before Sunday’s loss, and I think he’ll be able to get back on track in Week 9 and take some pressure off his head coach.

Looking at the Vikings Offense in Week 9

The Ravens may boast a 5-2 record and sit atop the AFC North, but their defense has been a problem all year. Mike Zimmer and the Vikings love to run the ball, but this matchup against Baltimore calls for a more pass-heavy approach. Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak needs to open up the offense and allow Cousins to take shots downfield.

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