After getting back on track after shutting out the Las Vegas Raiders, 24-0, the New Orleans Saints (3-5) will host the Baltimore Ravens (5-3) on Monday Night. New Orleans will need to flex their muscle on defense against Lamar Jackson and company to close out their two-game home stretch before hitting the road in week ten.
Baltimore Ravens @ New Orleans Saints Game Information:
Current Records: Baltimore Ravens (5-3) @ New Orleans Saints (3-5)
Date/Time: November 7th @ 7:15 p.m. CT
Where: Caesar’s Superdome; New Orleans, LA
Where to Watch: ESPN (Commentators: Play-By-Play Joe Buck, Analyst Troy Aikman, Reporter Lisa Salters)
Spread: Ravens (-2.5)
Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints Series History:
Baltimore and New Orleans have met in the regular season seven times. The Ravens lead the all-time series against the Saints, 5-2. The last meeting came during the 2018 season where the Saints edged out the Ravens, 24-23, in Baltimore.
Previewing the Saints Heading into Week Nine:
New Orleans was able to bounce back after two consecutive losses. They were able to ride the momentum of Alvin Kamara and their defense to pick up the 24-0 victory over Las Vegas. Kamara was able to find the endzone for the first time during the 2022 campaign. Not only did Kamara find the endzone once, he was able to rack up one on the ground and add two more through the air.
The Saints defense was able to detain a consistent Raiders rushing attack as they held Josh Jacobs to only 43 rushing yards on the day. New Orleans secondary was without Marshon Lattimore and Bradley Roby and someone had to step up in their place. Alontae Taylor did just that as he was able to lock down Davante Adams for just one catch on three yards.
It was a much-needed performance for the Saints defense that was allowing too many big plays through the air. Not only was the secondary able to have success, but the defensive line was able to bring pressure to the opposing quarterback. That will be needed again as the Saints will face off against Lamar Jackson on Monday night.
The injury report heading into Monday night’s matchup is headlined by Mark Ingram as he will be sidelined for the next three to four weeks, due to a MCL strain that he suffered against Las Vegas. It is still in question if we will see Michael Thomas or Jarvis Landry back in action this week for the Saints offense.
Scouting the Saints Opponent: Ravens
The Ravens have started off the 2022 season on top of the AFC North standings. Baltimore is coming off a 27-22 win on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. The Ravens have had extra time to prepare and rest for their road test against the Saints.
Baltimore’s offense have been one of the best in the league. They currently rank as the fifth-highest scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 26 points per game. Lamar Jackson continues to show his capabilities through the air and on the ground. On the season, Jackson has throw for 1,635 yards with 15 touchdowns. He has added 553 rushing yards, which leads the team.
The Ravens offense will be without one of their top wide receivers in Rashod Bateman, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Baltimore will now turn to Devin Duvernay to pick up the pace for the receiving core and we could see DeSean Jackson make his debut with the Ravens on Monday night.
Along with Bateman, Mark Andrews status against the Saints remains up in the air as he is nursing a shoulder injury. If Andrews is unable to go, Baltimore will turn to Isaiah Likely to be the go-to target at the tight end position.
On the defensive side, the Ravens defense got stronger as they added Roquan Smith at the NFL trade deadline. Baltimore could also be getting back Tyus Bowser as he has not made an appearance this season, due to a Achilles injury. Baltimore’s defense will be a challenge for the Saints offense.
Prediction for Ravens @ Saints:
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been able to find their groove on offense to start the season. The Saints defense will still be dealing with nagging injuries in the secondary and players will have to step up once again this week against an explosive offense.
Baltimore has had their success when they are able to consistently run the ball, so it will be key for New Orleans defensive line to impose their will like they did against the Raiders last week. On the other side, the Ravens defense adding Smith will only make it challenger for Kamara to be productive in the running game.
The Saints defense will need to build off of their performance against the Raiders and not allow Jackson to have any big plays down the field. The Ravens have had extra time to prepare for this game since last Thursday night and they will look to pay it off against New Orleans.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 28, New Orleans Saints 23
