# Ravens favored in home opener against Saints

> Baltimore's defense and offense should overwhelm New Orleans in Week 2.
- Title: Ravens favored in home opener against Saints · The Banner
- Summary: Baltimore's defense and offense should overwhelm New Orleans in Week 2. The Ravens' defensive pressure and offensive firepower give them a significant edge…
- Keywords: baltimore ravens, new orleans saints, nfl week 2, home opener, lamar jackson, tyler shough, trey hendrickson, derrick henry, expert predictions, m&t bank stadium, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/ravens-saints-game-predictions-picks-2A3DLAFN7FFTVCOIWNRICMY6LA
- Author: Baltimore Banner Staff
- Published: 2026-09-18T09:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: baltimore ravens, new orleans saints, nfl week 2, home opener, lamar jackson, tyler shough, trey hendrickson, derrick henry, expert predictions, m&t bank stadium, news, local
## Ravens host Saints in Week 2
Baltimore (1-0) faces New Orleans (0-1) at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Ravens won their opener against Indianapolis while the Saints lost to Detroit in overtime.
## Hendrickson's pass rush is key
Trey Hendrickson, the Ravens' biggest free-agent signing, must pressure Saints QB Tyler Shough to prevent New Orleans from keeping the game close. Hendrickson caused havoc against Indianapolis but didn't record a sack.

> Pressures are great. Sacks are better.
## Saints defense had solid Week 1
New Orleans held Detroit to 5.1 yards per play and allowed just two drives of 50+ yards, one in overtime. The Saints had a top-15 defense last season and shouldn't be underestimated.
## Ravens offense should dominate
Baltimore's rushing game, led by Derrick Henry, should overwhelm a Saints defense that gave up significant yardage to Detroit. The Ravens scored 31 first-half points against Indianapolis.
## Flowers' status uncertain
Wide receiver Zay Flowers made the Ravens' offense special against the Colts but might not play Sunday. His absence could affect Baltimore's passing game.
## Saints showed resilience in Week 1
New Orleans scored 24 second-half points to force overtime against Detroit and nearly won on a controversial forward pass ruling. The team has offensive weapons in Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr.
## Ravens' defense should control
Baltimore's defense passed its Week 1 test and should be the best unit on the field. The Ravens' front produced nine quarterback hits and a 51% pressure rate against Indianapolis.
## Expert predictions favor Ravens
Five experts predict Ravens wins ranging from 24-13 to 38-17. Predictions average around 31-20, reflecting Baltimore's clear advantage as heavy favorites at home.
## Saints need fast start
New Orleans has gone scoreless in the first quarter in 12 of 18 games under coach Kellen Moore. A slow start against Baltimore's high-powered offense could be costly.
## Ravens' home field advantage
An eager M&T Bank Stadium crowd should give Baltimore an edge in high-leverage situations. The Ravens' new coaching staff has already shown it can execute at home.
## Key takeaway

The Ravens' defensive pressure and offensive firepower give them a significant edge over a Saints team that struggled in Week 1.