NFL Baltimore RavensNew Orleans Saints

Predicting the Final Score of Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints

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By @NickCWilder

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

In one of Week 12’s premier matchups, the Baltimore Ravens (6-4) will battle the New Orleans Saints (4-6) down in The Big Easy on Monday Night Football. These teams have been very inconsistent through 10 games and look to start the home stretch of the 2014 season with a quality win. This game is paramount for both the Ravens and Saints, as each team still has a great chance of winning their respective divisions.

The Ravens come into this matchup off a bye and are 3-3 in their last six games. Baltimore doesn’t have many quality victories so far, with their best win of the season coming against their AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) back in Week 2. They’ll need to step up their overall game if they want to make a push for the division crown and the playoffs.

In terms of the Saints, they’ve been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments this season. They’ve lost two games in a row in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, even with the venue being one of the best home-field advantages in the league. Luckily, Sean Payton’s team is part of the NFC South, easily the worst division in football, which is currently led by the Atlanta Falcons (4-6).

Baltimore has a big edge on the defensive side of the ball statistically in this matchup. They are ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game (18.1) and 11th in yards allowed per game (335.7). In comparison, the Saints are ranked 21st in points allowed per game (25.2) and 20th in yards allowed per game (369.9).

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Justin Forsett should have solid games against this struggling defense. New Orleans is ranked in the bottom half of the league in almost every defensive category, including passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed.

When looking at general offensive statistics, both of these squads are tied for seventh in points per game (26.1), but New Orleans does have the advantage in yards per game. The Saints are ranked second in that category (425.5) and the Ravens are 12th (364.8).

The Saints will likely need Drew Brees to throw the ball consistently, opposed to running the ball with Mark Ingram, in order to come away with a victory. Baltimore is 21st in passing yards allowed (251.2) and fifth in rushing yards allowed (84.5). The Ravens will also be without their best defensive back due to injury, Jimmy Smith.

The dome will undoubtedly be deafening for this critical Week 12 game on Monday Night Football. This contest should come down to the fourth quarter and perhaps whichever team commits fewer turnovers. The Ravens are the slight favorites and it appears they are the better team at this point, especially on defense.

Final Score Prediction: Ravens 27, Saints 20

Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google. 

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