The New Orleans Saints (0-1) look for their first win of the season when they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens (1-0). Here are our staff predictions.
Jeff Duncan (Season record: 1-0)
Ravens 26, Saints 19: This figures to be a much sterner challenge than the Week 1 game in Detroit. It’s the home opener for the Ravens, who whipped the Colts on the road in their opener. The Ravens look energized by the coaching change to Jesse Minter and will be motivated to improve on their 3-6 home mark a year ago. The Saints defense will get a heavy dose of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson and will need to tackle well to stay in the game until the fourth quarter.
Zach Ewing (Season record: 1-0)
Ravens 31, Saints 19: The Ravens’ offense will be missing star wide receiver Zay Flowers, which helps the Saints. But the Baltimore running game is still a massive challenge, and the defense is better than what New Orleans faced last week in Detroit, too. It’s crucial for the Saints to get off to a better start in this one, because the Ravens are unlikely to allow a big comeback. Either way, expect Baltimore to make a big play late to put this one away.
Luke Johnson (Season record: 1-0)
Ravens 28, Saints 24: I believe the Saints offense is closer to the one that torched Detroit in the second half and overtime than it is the one that stumbled out of the gate in the season opener — and even against a creative and talented Baltimore defense, they’ll put up some points. But it’s a tough ask for this defense to keep superstars Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in check.
Matthew Paras (Season record: 1-0)
Ravens 23, Saints 17: The Saints definitely have a chance, especially with Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers downgraded to out with a hamstring injury. But Baltimore’s run game — and the craftiness of its defense — will likely be too much to overcome. The Saints put up another strong fight to show their headed in the right direction, but the daunting schedule leads to an 0-2 start.
Rod Walker (Season record: 1-0)
Ravens 30, Saints 20: You could make a strong argument that this is the toughest opponent the Saints will face all year. Trying to slow down two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry is a tall task for any team. The Saints will have to not only do that, but also avoid a slow start. Here’s guessing the Ravens’ duo is too much for the Saints to handle. The good news is the schedule lightens up next week.