MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Baltimore Ravens methodically built a lead and then leaned on their defense to secure a 27-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at a sold-out U.S. Bank Stadium.

In a game defined by defensive stands and offensive miscues, the Ravens improved to 4-5, pulling even with the Vikings, who also sit at 4-5 after the loss.

The contest failed to live up to its pregame billing, which saw the Vikings installed as 4.5-point favorites with statistical models projecting a Minnesota victory. The combined score of 46 points also fell short of the over/under line of 49.5.

Baltimore’s offense was efficient rather than explosive, with quarterback Lamar Jackson orchestrating scoring drives that capitalized on field position and Minnesota mistakes. Jackson completed 17 of 29 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown, adding 36 yards on nine carries. His counterpart, Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy, struggled with consistency, completing 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown and two costly interceptions.

The game began promisingly for the home team. Minnesota’s opening drive was a masterclass, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run from Aaron Jones Sr. to give the Vikings an early 7-0 lead. The drive was highlighted by a 62-yard deep connection from McCarthy to Jalen Nailor.

Baltimore, however, responded not with a touchdown, but with a steady march that ended in a 44-yard field goal from Tyler Loop, cutting the deficit to 7-3. The Ravens then seized control in the second quarter with a pair of Loop field goals, from 28 and 30 yards, to take a 9-7 lead into halftime. The second field goal came as time expired in the half after a frantic final drive set up by Jackson completions to Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely.

The Ravens extended their lead in the third quarter. After cornerback Marlon Humphrey intercepted a McCarthy pass intended for Justin Jefferson, Baltimore drove deep into Vikings territory. The drive stalled, but Loop connected on his fourth field goal of the day, a 22-yarder, to make it 12-7. On their next possession, the Ravens finally found the end zone when Justice Hill punched in a 1-yard run, giving Baltimore a 19-7 advantage.

Minnesota answered with a Will Reichard 43-yard field goal to trim the lead to 19-10, but Baltimore delivered what proved to be the decisive blow early in the fourth quarter. Jackson engineered a 13-play, 77-yard drive that consumed over seven minutes of clock, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. Jackson then found Rashod Bateman for a successful two-point conversion, pushing the Ravens’ lead to 27-10.

The Vikings showed a late spark, with McCarthy leading a 13-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Nailor. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 27-19 with just over three minutes remaining.

Minnesota’s defense forced a punt, giving McCarthy one final chance to tie the game with 1:44 left. The drive began at the Vikings’ 15-yard line and advanced to the Baltimore 41, but the Ravens’ defense held firm, with Roquan Smith breaking up a fourth-down pass to seal the victory.

Baltimore’s defense was the story, intercepting McCarthy twice and sacking him once. Safety Malaki Starks and Humphrey each came away with an interception, while the Ravens’ tackling was led by Nate Wiggins with seven stops. For Minnesota, linebacker Blake Cashman was a force with a game-high 11 tackles.

The Ravens will look to build on the win when they travel to face the Cleveland Browns next Sunday. The Vikings, meanwhile, will aim to rebound at home against the Chicago Bears.