Our staff writers have made their picks for Week 2's final score between the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens
, with some bold predictions for individual performances. Between a stifling Ravens defense and high-powered offense led by former league MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry, this could be the toughest game on the Saints' schedule this year.How do you see Saints-Ravens playing out? Here are our picks.
Ravens 24, Saints 20
Spotting the Ravens an early lead could be too much for Tyler Shough and the Saints offense to overcome this week; allowing Derrick Henry to run out the clock could be disastrous for what looked like a very vulnerable New Orleans run defense last Sunday. Baltimore's defense is going to use
many of the same disguised coverages that gave Shough trouble in Detroit (just ask Daniel Jones, who the Ravens held to 88 passing yards and an interception in the first half last week). Shough must protect the ball, and the offense as a whole needs to start fast so their defense isn't playing under so much pressure. The Saints' secondary has a really difficult task in containing Lamar Jackson as a passer with his unique threat as a runner. This just doesn't look like a good matchup for New Orleans.
Bold prediction: The Saints keep Derrick Henry from rushing for 100-plus yards. The left side of Baltimore's offensive line is banged up and they could be without both Ronnie Stanley and guard John Simpson. Daring Lamar Jackson to throw on them isn't the best strategy, but taking away his run game gives them a chance. -- John Sigler
Ravens 24, Saints 14
Week 1 of the NFL season provided little to no insight into the New Orleans Saints' identity, which makes predicting Week 2 difficult. On one hand, they looked abysmal in the first half, like a team that may be vying for the No. 1 overall pick. But then after halftime, they came out swinging, and the offense found its footing, while the defense lost tempo.
Going up against a lethal dual headed rushing attack in Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson right after letting Jahmyr Gibbs go for 186 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns doesn't bode well. This will likely be a bit more of a slog game, with both sides trying to establish the run, and Baltimore has proven to be effective in doing so already.
Bold prediction: Bryce Lance builds off an impressive Week 1, and leads the Saints in receiving yards for this matchup. -- Jeremy Trottier
Ravens 27, Saints 21
The Saints head into Baltimore coming off an impressive loss to the Detroit Lions. While the offense should be capable of generating some big-time plays, as we saw last week, the defense will need to find a way to slow down Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ rushing attack.
Last week, New Orleans’ run defense struggled against one of the league’s elite runners in Jahmyr Gibbs, raising questions about what the unit will be able to accomplish against Henry this weekend. Containing him is a much different challenge, given his combination of size, physicality, and ability to wear down a defense over the course of a game.
I do think the Saints will be able to compete with Baltimore until the end, but I have a hard time seeing them consistently limiting Derrick Henry in this matchup.
Bold prediction: DeVaughn Vele follows up last week’s impressive outing with a two-touchdown performance against the Ravens. -- Luke Loffredo
Ravens 30, Saints 27
New Orleans has another good showing but comes away with a second straight gut-wrenching loss on the road. Nothing to hang their head over, other than a frustrating 0-2 start. Detroit, last week's opponent, is a better overall team than the Ravens. However, the difference in this one is that I envision the Saints having a hard time containing the legs of Lamar Jackson and bruising running of Derrick Henry. I see New Orleans coming out better offensively and going blow-for-blow with Baltimore but coming up painfully short.
Bold prediction: Travis Etienne has over 100 yards rushing. I'm sticking with this for a second straight week after my prediction missed laughably last week. This time, the Saints make a strong effort to get Etienne involved early and use him on off-tackle plays, one of his greatest strengths. -- Bob Rose
Ravens 31, Saints 24
The Saints proved against Detroit that their offense can keep them in a game against anyone. Tyler Shough should be able to build on his 400-plus yard performance, while Kamara's return gives the offense another dynamic weapon. Containing Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry proves to be too much for the Saints, though — and Baltimore makes one more play than New Orleans does down the stretch.
Bold prediction: Alvin Kamara scores twice in his season debut, his first multi-TD game since Week 2 of 2024. -- Arye Pulli
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Week 2 Staff Picks: Final score, bold predictions for Saints at Ravens
