The Minnesota Vikings shocked the NFC North last week, upsetting the Lions in Detroit behind rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who looked poised and confident beyond his years. Could the Vikings have finally found their future franchise quarterback? This week will provide answers as they face a Baltimore team that looks rejuvenated and fully locked in.
The Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, looked dominant in their first “new season” game: a phrase Jackson himself used to describe the team’s must-win stretch. A high-scoring, physical matchup looms, with key fantasy implications on both sides.
⚡ Fantasy Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Pos | Matchup Outlook | Start Meter (1–10) | Fantasy Take |
| Lamar Jackson | BAL | QB | vs MIN | 🔥 10 | Back to MVP form — expect 2+ TDs |
| Derrick Henry | BAL | RB | vs MIN | 💪 8.5 | Vikings can’t handle this level of physicality |
| Zay Flowers | BAL | WR | vs MIN | 💪 8 | Volume WR2 with TD upside |
| Mark Andrews | BAL | TE | vs MIN | 💪 8 | Jackson’s security blanket — strong TE1 |
| Isaiah Likely (SLEEPER) | BAL | TE | vs MIN | 💤 6.5 | Sneaky red-zone value |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | WR | @ BAL | 🔥 9.5 | Still elite regardless of matchup |
| Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | @ BAL | 💪 8 | Explosive WR2 potential |
| Aaron Jones / Jordan Mason | MIN | RB | @ BAL | 💪 7 | Viable FLEX — monitor Jones’ status |
| T.J. Hockenson (SLEEPER) | MIN | TE | @ BAL | 💤 6 | Trending up, but needs more targets |
| Justice Hill / Rashod Bateman | BAL | RB/WR | vs MIN | ❌ 3 | Low ceiling — bench material |
🔥 Start ’Em
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Jackson made it clear last week that Baltimore’s “new season” is serious business. He torched his opponent for four touchdown passes and looked completely in control of Todd Monken’s offense. Against a Minnesota defense that still struggles against mobile quarterbacks, expect two or more total touchdowns and another top-5 fantasy QB performance.
Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens
The Vikings’ defense held the Lions’ backfield in check last week, but Derrick Henry is an entirely different challenge. Baltimore’s offensive line looked dominant, and Henry’s bruising style fits this game script perfectly. Expect 85+ yards and a score, with goal-line touches locked in.
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens
Flowers was one play away from a massive fantasy outing last week. The volume is there — 7+ targets per game — and this week he faces a secondary that’s struggled to contain shiftier receivers. Pencil Flowers in as a high-end WR2 with upside for a long score.
💪 Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
When Lamar and Andrews are in sync, Baltimore’s offense hums. Andrews was a “sleeper” last week, but that’s over: he’s firmly a must-start TE1 this week. Expect red-zone usage and consistent target share.
💤 Sleeper Watch
Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
Likely’s 4 targets for 60 yards were quietly impressive, and he’s seeing more involvement as Baltimore uses double tight end sets in the red zone. If you’re thin at TE or looking for a DFS dart throw, Likely could easily find the end zone.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings
Revenge narrative aside, Hockenson’s usage is creeping back up. He found the end zone last week, but still isn’t seeing elite volume. Consider him a TE2 with upside in deeper leagues or if you’re streaming.
💪 Vikings Starters
Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
No rust, no problem. J.J. McCarthy looked comfortable targeting Jefferson early and often, and that chemistry could define Minnesota’s offense moving forward. Even against a tough Ravens defense, Jefferson is matchup-proof; lock him in as a top-5 WR.
The Greatest No. 2 Plays for the Vikings – Ted Scherzier via vikingsterritory.com
Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings
Addison continues to flash star potential. With McCarthy keeping the offense balanced, Addison benefits from single coverage and deep targets. He’s more than a FLEX now, a strong WR2 with touchdown potential.
Flex: Aaron Jones / Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings
Jones’ injury update was promising, and if he plays, he’s the better FLEX option. If he sits, Mason can fill in respectably. Neither is a must-start, but both can return 10–12 PPR points in this matchup, depending on game flow.
Bonus Start – J.J. McCarthy QB, Minnesota Vikings
McCarthy earns a start this week, especially if you’re impacted by byes or in a multi-QB league. He put on a show against the Lions last week, displaying poise in the pocket and using his legs in the red zone. This week’s matchup with the Ravens will be a tougher test, but with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal, McCarthy should be able to make enough plays to post another solid fantasy outing.
🚫 Sit ’Em
Justice Hill, RB, Ravens
Simply not enough production to warrant a start. Hill remains change-of-pace depth behind Henry and hasn’t cracked double-digit touches recently. There’s too much risk for too little reward.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
Bateman found the end zone last week, but he remains the definition of boom or bust. With Flowers and Andrews commanding most of the volume, Bateman’s target share isn’t sustainable. Keep him on the bench unless you’re desperate.
📊 Game Prediction
Ravens 30, Vikings 23
The Ravens continue their late-season surge behind Lamar Jackson’s brilliance, while J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings show real promise for the future. Expect another strong fantasy day for Lamar, Henry, and Zay Flowers, while Jefferson and Addison keep Minnesota competitive through the air.
