Vikings vs Ravens Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 2 on 8/22/2026

The Baltimore Ravens will be visiting the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for a preseason showdown in Week 2 of the 2026 season. Scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM, fans can catch the action live on ESPN. This matchup will provide both teams with an opportunity to further evaluate their rosters before the regular season begins.

Under the leadership of head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens are coming off a strong performance in Week 1, having secured a 24-7 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team demonstrated an impressive offensive display, accumulating 298 passing yards and 142 rushing yards. As they prepare to face the Vikings, the Ravens will be looking to build on their early preseason success.

The Minnesota Vikings, led by head coach Kevin O'Connell, also enter Week 2 with a 1-0 preseason record after a narrow 13-10 win against the New York Giants. The Vikings' defense was particularly effective, forcing two interceptions, while their offense managed to gain 111 rushing yards. Playing at home, the Vikings will aim to continue their winning ways against the Ravens.

Bookmakers have given the Vikings an edge in this game, with a moneyline of -158 and a spread of -3.0. Meanwhile, the Ravens come in as underdogs with a moneyline of +132. The over/under for the game is set at 37.5 points, reflecting expectations of a competitive yet low-scoring affair.

Vikings vs Ravens At a Glance (Preseason Week 2)

• The 2026 Preseason Week 2 game features the Baltimore Ravens against the Minnesota Vikings.
• This preseason game will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.
• Both teams enter the game with a 1-0 record this preseason.
• The Ravens beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-7 in their first preseason game.
• The Vikings won their first preseason game 13-10 against the New York Giants.
• The Vikings are favored with a -158 moneyline, while the Ravens have a +132 moneyline.

Vikings Look to Continue Strong Preseason Start Against Ravens

Offensive Overview

The Minnesota Vikings' offense showed promise in their preseason opener against the New York Giants, securing a 13-10 win. Their performance highlighted an efficient ground game, with 111 rushing yards, ranking them 14th in the preseason. The passing attack, however, was less effective, with only 127 yards, placing them 26th.

Carson Wentz led the passing game with 81 yards and a touchdown, offering a glimpse of stability at the quarterback position. Myles Price emerged as a reliable target, hauling in 51 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating potential as a key receiving option.

Defensive Prowess

The Vikings' defense was instrumental in their victory over the Giants, limiting them to just 10 points. Their defensive unit ranked 3rd in points allowed during the preseason, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses. The defense also excelled in forcing turnovers, grabbing two interceptions to stall New York's drives.

Key defensive players like Jay Ward and Jacob Roberts made significant impacts, each contributing sacks and interceptions. This defensive strength is expected to be a cornerstone as the team moves through the preseason.

Upcoming Game Outlook

As the Vikings prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium, they enter the game as 3-point favorites. They will aim to maintain their defensive tenacity and improve their offensive execution. This home matchup offers a chance for the Vikings to further evaluate their depth and roster adjustments.

The Vikings' preseason performance could set the tone for their regular season, with the team hoping to translate defensive success into offensive productivity. Key players to watch include running back Aaron Jones Sr. and wide receiver Jordan Addison, both expected to contribute significantly in the upcoming game.

Betting Trends

• The Vikings are 5-0 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in their last five regular-season games in 2025.
• In their last four regular-season games after a win in 2025, they are 4-0 SU and ATS.
• As favorites in regular-season games in 2025, the Vikings are 3-0 SU and ATS.
• At home during the regular season in 2025, they have a 3-0 SU and ATS record.
• During the preseason from 2024 to 2026, they are 5-2 SU overall.
• As preseason underdogs, they hold a 3-1 SU record from 2024 to 2025.
• They are 3-1 SU and ATS in away preseason games from 2024 to 2026.
• After a win in preseason games from 2024 to 2025, they are 3-1 SU and ATS.

Ravens Ready to Soar: A Look at the Baltimore Ravens for This Game

Quarterback Overview

The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to build on their recent success with a strong performance from their quarterbacks. Joe Fagnano had a solid outing in their previous preseason game, throwing for 224 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Tyler Huntley, also part of the quarterback rotation, will aim to contribute effectively with his 76 passing yards from the last game.

Running Backs in Focus

At the running back position, Derrick Henry remains a key component of the Ravens' offensive attack. During the 2025 regular season, Henry was an unstoppable force, rushing for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns, placing him among the league's top rushers. Justice Hill adds depth to the position, having accumulated 169 receiving yards last year.

Wide Receiver and Tight End Contributions

The receiving corps is spearheaded by Zay Flowers, who led the team with 1,211 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season. Rashod Bateman, returning from a 224-yard season, will be looking to make an impact. Tight end Mark Andrews continues to be a reliable target, contributing 422 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year.

Defensive Standouts

Defensively, the Ravens will rely on standout players like Marlon Humphrey in the secondary. During the 2025 regular season, the team ranked 10th in rushing defense, allowing only 106.6 yards per game. The defensive unit looks to maintain their top-tier status with a strong preseason showing.

Special Teams and Key Players

On special teams, kicker Tyler Loop has been consistent, making one field goal and three extra points in the last game. LaJohntay Wester and Elijah Sarratt are set to handle kick and punt returns, providing the Ravens with speed and agility in the return game.

Injury and Roster Updates

The Ravens have placed Skylar Thompson on the injured reserve list, ruling him out for the 2026-27 season. The depth chart includes key players like Lamar Jackson at quarterback and Derrick Henry at running back, highlighting the team's offensive potential.

Upcoming Game Outlook

The Ravens will face the Minnesota Vikings in their next preseason game, entering as 3.0-point underdogs. With a strong preseason record, the Ravens will aim to extend their winning streak and fine-tune their game plan ahead of the regular season.

Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends

• The Ravens have won their last 4 preseason games outright and against the spread.
• In preseason games with totals of 42 or less, they have a perfect 4-0 record straight up and against the spread.
• As preseason underdogs, the Ravens are 3-0 in their last 3 games both straight up and against the spread.
• In preseason away games, they have a strong 6-1 over/under record in their last 7 games.

Vikings vs Ravens Prediction: Over 37.5

The Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens are both coming off wins in their first preseason games, hinting at potential offensive momentum. The Ravens scored 24 points in their previous game, showcasing their effective offense. Meanwhile, the Vikings managed 13 points in their initial outing, but playing at home could give them a boost.

The Ravens' offense ranks 6th in scoring this preseason, averaging 24 points per game, while their defense allowed just 7 points. This strong offensive performance combined with a solid defense might set the stage for a high-scoring game. The Vikings' defensive rank of 3rd, allowing 10 points on average, points to a competitive matchup.

Considering the offensive capabilities of both teams and the preseason momentum, the total of 37.5 seems attainable. The Ravens' ability to rack up offensive yards, currently leading with 440 yards per game, suggests they can contribute significantly to the total score. The Vikings' home advantage and past trends also support the possibility of a game exceeding the total points line.

Projecting a final score of Ravens 24 - Vikings 17 supports an 'Over 37.5' pick, given both teams' offensive potential and current form. Despite the low totals in the past head-to-head games, this preseason clash might break the trend given the recent performances.

• Vikings vs Ravens Prediction: Over 37.5
• Vikings vs Ravens Score: Ravens 24 - Vikings 17

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