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

The Baltimore Ravens travel to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to face the Minnesota Vikings in NFL preseason Week 2 on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. Baltimore enters at 1-0 after dominating Philadelphia 24-7, while Minnesota is also 1-0 after defeating the New York Giants 13-10. Get ready for the NFL season with our free NFL picks.

The current market has Baltimore favored by 3.5 points, with Minnesota +3.5. The total is 36.5 points, with Baltimore approximately -180 on the moneyline and Minnesota around +150. This is an interesting matchup between two teams that allowed a combined 17 points in their preseason openers. We'll use Baltimore -3.5 and Under 36.5 as the selections.

Ravens Dominated Their Preseason Opener

Baltimore produced one of the more complete performances of preseason Week 1 with a 24-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Almost all of Baltimore's starters were held out, but the reserve units controlled the game. The Ravens accumulated 31 first downs compared with only six for Philadelphia and finished with 298 passing yards while limiting the Eagles to just 83 through the air. Philadelphia also went 0-for-9 on third down.

Joe Fagnano was particularly impressive, completing 22 of 28 passes for 224 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Baltimore used Fagnano, Tyler Huntley and Austin Reed, with the trio combining for 30 completions to 12 different receivers. Elijah Sarratt led the Ravens with six receptions for 66 yards, while Matt Hibner caught five passes for 61 yards. Fagnano also connected with Ja'Kobi Lane for a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Baltimore's defense and overall depth provide the strongest argument for backing the Ravens again. Philadelphia's only touchdown came late, and Baltimore otherwise came close to pitching a preseason shutout. The Ravens also committed only three penalties compared with Philadelphia's 10. Preseason results can change dramatically with different personnel rotations, but Baltimore's reserves demonstrated that they could sustain possessions offensively and get off the field defensively.

Vikings Grind Out Week 1 Victory

Minnesota opened its preseason with a 13-10 road victory over the New York Giants. The Vikings didn't produce the offensive numbers Baltimore did, but they demonstrated enough situational execution to win a close game. Minnesota established its running game immediately, gaining 44 rushing yards on its opening possession before settling for a field goal.

Kyler Murray played Minnesota's opening series and completed 2 of 3 passes for 10 yards. J.J. McCarthy received a larger opportunity afterward, while Carson Wentz eventually delivered one of the game's decisive plays with a late touchdown pass. Minnesota's quarterback room gives the coaching staff several experienced options, although the offense was far from explosive in the opener. The Vikings finished with only 13 points despite moving the ball effectively at times.

Minnesota's defense was the more impressive component of its Week 1 victory. The Vikings held New York to 10 points and produced two interceptions. That performance matters against a Baltimore offense that moved the chains repeatedly against Philadelphia. Minnesota also gets this game at home, which makes taking more than a field goal tempting, but Baltimore's ability to dominate with almost all of its starters sitting gives the Ravens the stronger depth profile entering Week 2.

Baltimore Ravens vs Minnesota Vikings Picks and Prediction

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3.5

The pick is Baltimore -3.5. Minnesota deserves respect after winning on the road in Week 1, but Baltimore's performance was significantly more convincing. The Ravens generated 31 first downs, threw for 298 yards and limited Philadelphia to six first downs and an 0-for-9 showing on third down. Baltimore accomplished all of that while resting almost its entire starting lineup, which is exactly the type of depth we're looking for when handicapping preseason games. Baltimore -3.5 is the preferred side.

Pick: Under 36.5

The total pick is Under 36.5. Baltimore surrendered only seven points in its opener and Minnesota allowed 10, while the Vikings themselves generated only 13 points. Minnesota showed that it can win a slower, defensive game, and Baltimore's defense gave Philadelphia almost nothing until late. Even with Baltimore's impressive passing production, the Ravens scored 24 rather than turning all those yards and first downs into a huge total. Under 36.5 is the preferred total.

Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 20, Minnesota Vikings 13