Ravens vs. Vikings crystal ball: predictions for Preseason Week 2

EAGAN, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 19: Joe Fagnano #12 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during a joint practice between the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 19, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens are about to kick off their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. Here are some last-minute predictions from Baltimore Beatdown’s staff!

Offensively, I’d anticipate you see the Ravens continue feeding the rookie tight ends plenty. Hibner had the hot hand with plenty of targets last week, so Cuevas may draw more targets this week. Adam Randall seemed to heat up more as his game progressed as well, so look to see him more confident out of the backfield. Baltimore’s defense didn’t force a turnover against Philly, but I think that changes in this one. JJ McCarthy knows he’s got a lot to prove for his NFL future as he settles into the backup role, and I think he gets over-aggressive and air mails one or two that the secondary takes away. I’ll call my shot and say Keyon Martin stays hot and gets one.

Baltimore’s O-line had a rough outing in joint practices against the pressure looks brought by Brian Flores and this Viking defense. Expect to see a bit of a regression from Fagnano and Reed as they feel the heat. There’s such a degree of randomness to preseason that it’s tough to predict a score, but I think Minnesota’s pressure wins them the turnover battle and the game. MIN 27, BAL 20 – Kevin McNelis

I foresee an ugly, defensive game from both teams today. I predict another big day for the Ravens’ secondary in particular, while I think Baltimore’s offense will struggle against the relentless blitzing from Brian Flores. Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt will be the stars on offense when pass protection holds up. I think we will see more pressure from Jesse Minter’s defense this week as well. – Dustin Cox

The biggest thing to watch in this game is the offensive line. While there are some other positions battles such as the 5th edge players, cornerback depth spots, there are a ton of questions to answer on the line. The most obvious being the center battle. With Danny Pinter going down, is it Gwyn or Pocic who runs with the 1s? How much time does Gwyn, who’s already looked great but is inexperienced, get versus Pocic, who need ramp up time? We also need to see improvement from Andrew Vorhees and Emery Jones Jr. after awful showings last week. Corey Bullock will get center reps with Pinter down but could absolutely steal a backup guard spot. Gerad Lichtenhan also looked better than both of those guys last week. – Zach Canter

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →