Vikings vs. Ravens: Can Brian Flores Stop Lamar Jackson?

In this episode of The Real Forno Show, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano break down the Minnesota Vikings’ upcoming clash with the Baltimore Ravens on November 9, 2025. With both teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, the duo explores defensive strategies, quarterback battles, and historical quirks that could spell doom or glory. Will Flores’ blitz magic tame Jackson’s elusiveness? That is one of the questions that keeps fans on the edge, blending analysis with passionate Vikings fandom.

Dive into this in-depth NFL Week 10 preview. Forness and Stefano dissect the Vikings’ 3-4 all-time record against the Ravens, noting eerie patterns: Vikings losses often lead to coaching firings, while wins propel them to NFC Championships. Forness highlights J.J. McCarthy’s growth, praising his Week 9 return but critiquing blitz struggles, urging context over snap judgments. Key matchups include McCarthy exploiting Baltimore’s weak (but improving) pass rush and run defense, while containing Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat prowess. On Brian Flores’ blitz strategy, they debate selective pressure (30-35% rate) versus aggressive zero-blitzes, drawing from Flores’ 2021 success but adapting to Jackson’s evolution.

Some Key Points from the Show:

• Teams’ History: Vikings undefeated at home vs. Ravens (2-0); 2021 OT loss in Baltimore showcased Jackson’s comeback magic.
• J.J. McCarthy’s Development: The young quarterback shows promise in decision-making and clutch plays but needs reps for mechanics and blitz answers; compared to Josh Allen’s early growth.
• Biggest Matchups: Vikings’ run game (Aaron Jones) vs. Ravens’ bottom-ranked run D; McCarthy vs. weak pass rush; Jackson’s mobility vs. Vikings’ containment.
• Flores’ Blitz Dilemma: Avoid over-blitzing to prevent escapes; use spies like Ivan Pace Jr., slants, and cross-dogs for controlled pressure.

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Whether you’re a die-hard Purple faithful or casual NFL fan, tune into The Real Forno Show for unfiltered Minnesota Vikings insights that blend stats, film breakdowns, and fan energy—available on YouTube and podcast platforms. This Vikings 1st & SKOL production keeping you ahead with episodes like Xs & SKOLs and Two Old Bloggers.

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and the network’s NFL feed over at Pro Football Insiders @Pro_FB_Insiders. Your ultimate source for NFL insights, breaking news, and expert analysis. From draft prospects to game-day strategies, we’ve got the inside scoop!

What do you think:

Can the Vikings pull off the upset and boost their playoff chances? Share your predictions in the comments!