Baltimore Ravens vs New Orleans Saints 8/14/21 NFL Picks, Odds, Predictions

The Baltimore Ravens and the New Orleans Saints meet Saturday in a week 1 NFL preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The New Orleans Saints are coming off a 12-win season and have won double-digit games each of the last four years. The Baltimore Ravens won 11 games last season and have won double-digit games each of the last three years.

The New Orleans Saints are going to look weird without Drew Brees at quarterback and there’s a current battle between Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill for the starting job. Winston is the favorite given he’s the more traditional quarterback with more starting experience, but Hill has been with the Saints for a while and coach Sean Payton really likes his versatility. The Saints have to find a third wide receiver and Juwan Johnson is transitioning to the tight end spot. Defensively, Shy Tuttle should get an expanded role on the defensive line and rookie linebacker Pete Werner has a chance to earn a starting role. The Saints also have a punter battle between two inexperienced players in Blake Gillikin and Nolan Cooney.

The Baltimore Ravens have their quarterback already cemented, so expect to see a ton of backups in Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley in this game. The Ravens have a revamped offensive line with Alejandro Villanueva coming over from Pittsburgh, the left guard position being up in the air and Bradley Bozeman moving over to center. The Ravens also have to find a third wide receiver, as there’s a drop-off from Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins. Defensively, Tyus Bowser should see an expanded role at the linebacker position and it’s going to be interesting to see if Justin Houston can improve the pass rush. The Ravens are a legit Super Bowl contender, but getting the offensive line in order this preseason will be key. 

The Saints are 38-16 ATS in their last 54 road games and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The Ravens are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The under is 8-3 in Saints last 11 games overall. The under is 4-0 in Ravens last 4 games overall. The road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

I’m not sure why this line is what it is, as the Ravens likely aren’t going to play their starters much in this game and I have no trust in McSorley or Huntley at quarterback. The Saints have a legit quarterback battle between Winston and Hill, which means you’re going to get two quality QBs playing the bulk of this game. I’m big on quarterback depth in the preseason and the Saints are in a good spot. Give me the Saints and the free points.