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5 Bold Predictions For Ravens vs. Saints

5 Bold Predictions For Baltimore vs. New Orleans

5 Bold Predictions For Baltimore vs. New Orleans
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints come into this Sunday in panic mode. Though they’re still in second in their division, the Saints are on a two-game skid. Ending the slump won’t be an easy task this weekend, as they host the Baltimore Ravens, who seemed to struggle a little more than expected in their Week 9 win against the Tennessee Titans. Knowing this, here are five predictions to keep an eye out this week as Baltimore heads down to New Orleans.

1. Justin Forsett Exploits a Weakening Saints Run Defense

1. Justin Forsett Exploits a Weakening Saints Run Defense
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

1. Justin Forsett Exploits a Weakening Saints Run Defense

1. Justin Forsett Exploits a Weakening Saints Run Defense
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans’ run defense wasn’t a glaring problem before last week. However, things changed when Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill torched them for 152 yards. Things don’t get much easier for the Saints this week, as they try to stop the emerging Forsett, who’s currently seventh in the NFL in total rushing yards. I doubt New Orleans can do much to slow him down.

2. Flacco Shakes Off Sub-Par Week 9 Performance Against Tennessee

2. Flacco Shakes Off Sub-Par Week 9 Performance Against Tennessee
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

2. Flacco Shakes Off Sub-Par Week 9 Performance Against Tennessee

2. Flacco Shakes Off Sub-Par Week 9 Performance Against Tennessee
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Flacco was a bit out of character against a struggling Titans team in Week 9. Something tells me the Saints pass defense, ranked 24th in the league, might be just the elixir he needs to get back on track. If New Orleans was able to give Andy Dalton immediate recovery from a dreadful performance the week before, it’s a safe bet Flacco will enjoy the same success.

3. Baltimore’s Defense Gives Drew Brees Nightmares

3. Baltimore’s Defense Gives Drew Brees Nightmares
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

3. Baltimore’s Defense Gives Drew Brees Nightmares

3. Baltimore’s Defense Gives Drew Brees Nightmares
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Like everyone in New Orleans, Brees is frustrated by his team’s struggles this year. However, things are likely to get even rougher for him this Sunday, as a high-pressure defense awaits him. The Ravens harassed Zach Mettenberger all day in their last game, and knowing Brees poses a bigger threat likely means they increase the pressure even more Sunday. Something tells me the Saints QB won’t have a clean jersey by game’s end.

4. Mark Ingram’s Struggles Continue

4. Mark Ingram’s Struggles Continue
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mark Ingram’s Struggles Continue

4. Mark Ingram’s Struggles Continue
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Ingram had been putting together a great season, but the Bengals made him look human, allowing just 67 yards from the former Alabama back. Shifting from a weaker Cincinnati rush defense to a Baltimore unit only giving up 84.5 yards per game on the ground certainly isn’t the fix Ingram needs. Look for him to once again have a long and relatively unproductive game.

5. The Ravens Keep the Saints Reeling with Another Loss

5. The Ravens Keep the Saints Reeling with Another Loss
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Ravens Keep the Saints Reeling with Another Loss

5. The Ravens Keep the Saints Reeling with Another Loss
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately for the Saints, they no longer look invincible in the Superdome. This will be proven yet again this Sunday. Baltimore just brings too much to the table, and New Orleans just can’t seem to get on track. The game might be a close one, but look for the Ravens to leave Louisiana with a victory.

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