Baltimore Ravens vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 1:00 PM ET. Baltimore is 1-0 in the preseason after beating Philadelphia 24-7 last Saturday. Minnesota is also 1-0 following a 13-10 road victory over the New York Giants. Lamar Jackson did not play for Baltimore in the opener, while new Minnesota starter Kyler Murray appeared for one series. Both coaching staffs have several young players and position battles to evaluate in their second preseason game. Build your bankroll with our free NFL picks.

Baltimore Ravens Evaluate Young Offensive Playmakers

Baltimore produced 440 total yards against Philadelphia despite sitting Jackson and several other starters. Tyler Huntley opened the game and completed 6 of 7 passes for 76 yards across two series. Rookie Joe Fagnano then completed 22 of 28 attempts for 223 yards with a touchdown and interception. Ja’Kobi Lane caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, while fellow rookies Matt Hibner and Elijah Sarratt combined for 11 receptions and 127 yards. Baltimore scored 17 second-half points to pull away.

The Ravens have several competitions that make another preseason game useful for the coaching staff. Lane, Sarratt and Devontez Walker are among the young receivers competing for opportunities behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Baltimore is also evaluating its starting center options and searching for an outside linebacker to play opposite Trey Hendrickson. Mike Green, Tavius Robinson and Zion Young are candidates there. New coach Jesse Minter received productive work from his younger players against Philadelphia and should have another chance to examine Baltimore’s depth Saturday.

Minnesota Vikings Continue Working Through New Roles

Minnesota used its first-team offense for one series against New York, with Justin Jefferson sitting out. Murray completed 2 of 3 passes for 10 yards and led a possession that ended with a field goal. J.J. McCarthy followed and completed 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards after a difficult opening possession. Myles Price provided the biggest offensive highlight, catching four passes for 51 yards, including a one-handed touchdown from Carson Wentz. Minnesota scored all 13 of its points across the first three quarters.

The Vikings also have several positions to evaluate before the regular season. The retirement of Ryan Kelly created an opening at center, where Blake Brandel received the first opportunity ahead of Michael Jurgens and Gavin Gerhardt. Safety is another area requiring attention, especially after Jamal Adams suffered a right knee injury against the Giants. Minnesota also wants to develop its running game, with rookie Demond Claiborne offering speed behind veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason. Fourth-string quarterback Max Brosmer left the opener with a thumb injury.

What to Watch

Baltimore’s young receivers are worth following after their productive opener. Lane, Hibner and Sarratt all contributed while Fagnano moved the offense consistently. With Jackson unlikely to need extensive preseason work, Baltimore’s reserve quarterbacks and young pass catchers can receive another long evaluation period.

Minnesota has a different quarterback situation after Murray was named the starter. McCarthy still needs preseason repetitions after making only 10 NFL starts entering this season. The Vikings can also continue testing their offensive line combinations while determining which younger players deserve larger roles.

Baltimore Ravens vs Minnesota Vikings Game Pick

• Baltimore Ravens +3

Baltimore +3 is the game pick after the Ravens showed strong reserve production in their preseason opener. Baltimore outgained Philadelphia 440-159 and received productive quarterback play from Huntley and Fagnano. The Ravens also have several young receivers competing for roles, which should keep the passing game active deep into Saturday’s contest. Minnesota won its opener but produced only 13 points and used Murray for one series. With three points available, Baltimore’s offensive depth makes the Ravens the stronger play against Minnesota.

Baltimore Ravens vs Minnesota Vikings Over/Under Pick

• Over 37.5

Over 37.5 is the total pick after Baltimore demonstrated that its reserve offense can sustain drives and create points. The Ravens scored 24 against Philadelphia, gained 440 yards and received 223 passing yards from Fagnano after Huntley completed six of seven attempts. Minnesota scored only 13 in its opener, but Price provided a touchdown, and McCarthy should have another opportunity for meaningful work. Baltimore’s young skill players have roster roles to chase, and enough capable quarterbacks are available for this matchup to cash over the 37.5 closing line.