One of the most interesting matchups of Week Ten will be between two teams that don't even have winning records. The 3-5 Baltimore Ravens will be heading west to take on the 4-4 Minnesota Vikings as both squads look to build on impressive Week Nine wins.

For the Vikes, they are hoping that second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy can continue to grow after the stellar performance he had against the Detroit Lions in Week Nine, when he threw for 143 yards, ran for 12 yards, and scored three total touchdowns. More importantly, the young man showed a lot of poise as he led Minnesota to its first win in Detroit in five years.

“In regards to our young quarterback, we saw a lot of the things that he's capable of doing,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after the 27-24 victory over the Lions. “As he continues his ascension and his growth, he will only get better and better. But 2-0 on the road in the NFC North with him making some critical, critical plays for us to win the game.”

In just his third start, McCarthy did exactly what he needed to do for his team to earn the victory. Like a true leader, he gave credit to everybody else who played a part in the win while recognizing that there are things that the Vikings can do to be even better next time out.

“Just want to say how proud I am of the defense, the offensive line, the special teams, and the offense,” McCarthy said in Sunday’s postgame press conference. “We really played very well on all three phases, but there's a lot of meat on the bone in all three phases. So, we’ve got to go back to work and make sure we correct all the little things. But [I’m] very proud of the guys.”

The Vikings have to have a quick turnaround and start prepping for Ravens quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Kevin O'Connell knows how difficult it is to create a game plan when going against a guy like that, who currently leads the league in passer rating (136.7).

“When Baltimore rolls into town, it's not a secret about who's playing quarterback for ‘em and what he's capable of doing,” O’Connell told reporters on Monday. “With us, we have seen some [mobile quarterbacks]. Whether it was Jalen Hurts or even Justin Herbert, the movement really impacted the game, either extending plays when the rush plan was good and it just didn't get home, or when we let some of those players out and either forward to use their legs or extending plays on the perimeter. It's definitely something we've talked about, and we're going to have to be as good as we've been all season against this challenge for sure.”

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh might have been just as excited as Lamar Jackson to have his quarterback return to the field last Thursday. That was Jackson's first start since Week Four.

“I said [to Lamar], ‘It's been a long journey, man.’ It's been a hard road, and not just the 30 days, but even before that,” Harbaugh said on October 31st. “I'm proud of him. I'm proud of the way he came out and played. [I’m] proud of the way Tyler (Huntley) played last week. Both those two guys played well. I think Tee Martin deserves a lot of credit. He did a great job with those guys… I thought what we've done with the offense the last two weeks has been really good. Really, really excellent. We’ve got to keep building off that.”

Since the Ravens played on Thursday night last week, they had Sunday off to get a look at their upcoming opponent. After reviewing the tape from the Lions-Vikings game, John Harbaugh knows that it will not be easy to go on the road and steal a win in Minnesota.

"I watched them on tape today quite a bit. I thought they had a heck of a game. They're talented. Going to Detroit and winning that game the way they did – a division game. They really showed up, and they played really great on both sides,” Harbaugh said during a November 3rd press conference. “Very disruptive on defense. A lot of pressure, a lot of inside pressure that stopped the zone run game, bringing linebackers through and things like that. And I thought they played really well offensively. [The] young quarterback from Michigan did pretty okay; J.J. made a bunch of throws, scrambled around. I thought their run game was impressive. We've got a lot to get ready for."

One way the Ravens can help themselves earn a victory is by continuing to play good red zone defense. Considering Minnesota ranks 21st in red zone touchdowns this season, Baltimore's defense can have a huge impact on this matchup if it can keep the Vikes out of the end zone.

“I think red zone defense is where you really show who you are as a defense. I think what we showed is that, obviously, people can get down there, but being able to prevent them from actually scoring, that's a lot,” said Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith last Friday. “That's a four-point swing and sometimes a seven-point swing if you force them to a three-and-out or force them to a field goal and they miss it. I think that's what it's all about. We’ve just got to continue to keep there and try not to let them get into the red zone.”

Prediction for Baltimore Ravens (-4) @ Minnesota Vikings

The fact that the Ravens are favored by four points on the road is shocking. Then again, there is bound to be a little bit of a letdown after the Vikings pulled off their biggest win of the season. At the same time, the Ravens will have had over a week to prepare for this game. Baltimore can replicate J.J. McCarthy's tendencies as a runner and a passer in their practices, but the same cannot be said for Minnesota when it comes to preparing for Lamar Jackson. The Vikes cover the spread, but still lose at home.

Prediction: Ravens 26 - 23 Vikings

How to watch Baltimore Ravens (-4) @ Minnesota Vikings

Ravens @ Vikings starts at 1:00 p.m. EDT at U.S. Bank Stadium. You can watch it on Fox or stream it via the Fox Sports app or YouTubeTV.

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