The Baltimore Ravens (3-2) are facing off against Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) Sunday at the Metrodome.  Ray Lewis and the Ravens are very hungry for a win after losing two close games in a row.  The Ravens gave up their first 100-yard rusher in 40 games last week, and they do not want to let that happen again.  I am expecting the Ravens to stack the line and try and shut down the explosive Adrian Peterson who has rushed for 489 yards on 99 carries (4.9 avg) and has seven touchdowns.  That means they are going to force the 40-year-old Brett Favre to beat them, but Favre has been playing very well lately so the Ravens D will have their work cut out for them.  Favre is completing 69% of his passes and has thrown for 1069 yards with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions.  The Ravens need to cut down on their penalties too, as late-game penalties have cost them two weeks in a row now.

The Ravens offense needs to bounce back from last weeks poor performance.  Flacco only threw for 186 yards and had two interceptions.  Flacco needs to step his play up this week, which I expect him to do.  If they can establish their running game Flacco will have an easy time making some plays.  With that two-headed running monster of Ray Rice (5.8 avg) and Willis McGahee (5.2 avg), I think the Ravens will be able to eat up some yards on the ground, especially since the Vikings give up an average of 96 rushing yards per game.  This is going to be a great match-up and it is tough to pick a winner, but I will always take a good defense over a good offense, so I am going with the Ravens in a close one.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Baltimore Ravens 27, Minnesota Vikings 24