2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 9

Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Sunday, November 7, 1PM ET

I would love to pick the Minnesota Vikings here to upset the Baltimore Ravens and prove themselves as legitimate threats in the NFC. However, if I’m being honest with myself, the odds of that happening just seem slim with everything that’s happened so far this season.

The Vikings can’t get out of their own way right now. Playcalling is horrid, Kirk Cousins can’t take full advantage of the weapons available to him, and the defense is hobbled. Especially with the loss of Danielle Hunter to a season-ending pectoral injury, things just around turning in the Vikings’ favor right now.

As for the Ravens, they’ve got the momentum on their side despite a Week 7 loss to the Bengals. They’re well-rested after a bye week and seem relatively healthy. Cousins isn’t exactly known for beating quality competition, so chances are the Baltimore defense gets the best of him.

The Ravens stop their losing streak at one, while the Vikings fall further out of contention with another defeat at the hands of a contender. It’s back to the drawing board for Minnesota while Baltimore ramps up for a second-half run at the AFC North crown.

Prediction: Ravens win 26-17 | Spread: Ravens (-5.5)