The Baltimore Ravens spent much of the offseason talking aboutstandards, urgency, and creating a different attitude about execution. Now comes the first opportunity in M&T Bank Stadium this season to prove those weren't just offseason talking points.
A year ago, Baltimore struggled to establish the type of home-field advantage fans have come to expect. Several players have already acknowledged that reality this week, and Jesse Minter has made it clear that protecting home turf is a priority. Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints offers an opportunity to start changing the narrative.
That doesn't mean New Orleans should be overlooked. The Saints have explosive playmakers, a quarterback willing to challenge defenses downfield, and enough
offensive firepower to create problems if Baltimore isn't sharp. The Ravens may be favored, but they'll still need to earn this one. With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for Baltimore's home opener.
Lamar Jackson accounts for four touchdowns.
Baltimore's offense looked explosive in Week 1 despite leaving some plays on the field because of penalties and a few stalled drives. The Saints just allowed more than 400 passing yards against the Detroit Lions, so here's where the rubber meets the road.
Lamar Jackson appears comfortable in Declan Doyle's offense and is already in the MVP discussion. Whether it comes through the air or on the ground, expect Jackson to be directly responsible for four touchdowns as Baltimore continues building momentum.
Rashod Bateman leads the Ravens in receiving.
Rashod Bateman finished Week 1 without an official catch after a penalty nullified his lone reception, but both he and Lamar Jackson made it clear nobody inside the building is concerned. With Ja'Kobi Lane on injured reserve and Zay Flowers working through a hamstring injury, Bateman should see increased opportunities. This feels like the week he reminds everyone why Baltimore continues believing in him.
The Ravens force at least three turnovers
Tyler Shough is talented. He also plays with the confidence of a quarterback willing to challenge tight windows. That mindset helped him throw for more than 400 yards in Week 1, but it also led to two interceptions and a lost fumble.
Baltimore's secondary is opportunistic, and Jesse Minter's defense creates confusion from multiple angles. The Ravens should have opportunities to take the football away.
Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young both record their first sacks as Ravens
The pressure was there against the Indianapolis Colts even if the sack totals didn't fully reflect it. Hendrickson came close on multiple occasions and consistently affected the pocket.
Eventually, those near misses become actual production. Against a Saints offensive line that will likely be forced into obvious passing situations at some point, this feels like the week Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young both get on the board.
Baltimore wins comfortably and starts 2-0
The Saints deserve respect after nearly erasing a large deficit against Detroit, but this matchup feels favorable for Baltimore. The Ravens are at home. The defense should create pressure. The offense has already demonstrated its explosiveness.
New Orleans has talented players, particularly Chris Olave, but Baltimore appears to have advantages in several key areas. Bold predictions are supposed to be risky, but none of these require Baltimore to be something it isn't. The Ravens already showed signs of being an explosive offense and aggressive defense in Week 1. This week, they put it all together—prediction: Ravens 31, Saints 20.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Saints: 5 bold predictions for Baltimore's home opener
