When the Saints and Ravens hit the field for the first time this NFL Preseason, it will be a battle between two of the top rushing teams in the NFL. The Ravens have led the league in rushing the past couple of seasons. New Orleans is always a top five rushing unit. Which team will get their running game going? Keep reading for NFL Preseason odds, analysis, and a free pick for Saints versus Ravens.
NFL Betting Preview for Saints vs Ravens On Aug. 14th
New Orleans Saints vs Baltimore Ravens – NFL Preseason Game
- When: August 14 at 7:00 pm ET
- Spread Odds: Baltimore -2 ½
- Moneyline Odds: New Orleans +125 / Baltimore -145
- Over/Under Odds: O 35 ½ (-115) / U 35 ½ (-105)
Why bet on New Orleans versus Baltimore
Last week, the Saints signed former Atlanta starting running back Devonta Freeman. Freeman has struggled with injuries the past few seasons. When he’s healthy, though, he’s a solid player, which is why Sean Payton will hand the ball off to Freeman all day on Saturday. Not only that, but Payton will give playing time to rookie Ian Book and former Bronco Trevor Siemian. Both players could have success against Baltimore’s second string defense.
New Orleans Last 5
- L – 30-20 vs. Tampa Bay
- W – 21-9 vs. Chicago
- W – 33-7 at Carolina
- W – 52-33 vs. Minnesota
- L – 32-29 vs. Kansas City
New Orleans Predicted Offense Starting Lineup
- QB – Trevor Siemian
- RB – Devonta Freeman
- WR – Juwan Johnson
- WR – Lil’ Jordan Humphrey
- WR – Deonte Harris
- TE – Adam Trautman
- LT – James Hurst
- LG – Derrick Kelly II
- C – Will Clapp
- RG – Calvin Throckmorton
- RT – Landon Young
Why bet on Baltimore against New Orleans
The Ravens won’t play Lamar Jackson. It shouldn’t be an issue, though. Former Penn State QB Trace McSorley has rushing skills, which means Baltimore won’t change their run first system just because McSorley is under center. Running back Gus Edwards, who projects as the starter in this, has had some decent games during his career. The Saints are thin on defense, which means they’ll protect most of their starters, giving McSorley and Edwards a boost.
Baltimore Last 5
- L – 17-3 at Buffalo
- W – 20-13 at Tennessee
- W – 38-3 at Cincinnati
- W – 27-13 vs. New York Giants
- W – 40-14 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Baltimore Predicted Offense Starting Lineup
- QB – Trace McSorley
- RB – Gus Edwards
- WR – Miles Boykin
- WR – Rashod Bateman
- TE – Josh Oliver
- TE – Eric Tomlinson
- LT – Foster Sarell
- LG – Michael Schofield
- C – Patrick Mekari
- RG – Ben Powers
- RT – Ja’Wuan James
Final Betting Analysis: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens
Who knows how Payton will call this game. Don’t expect Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, or Alvin Kamara to play. Payton may even keep Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway on the bench.
Callaway could end up the Saints’ WR1 if they trade Michael Thomas. Smith is already Payton’s WR2.
So the real question is do we have more faith in McSorley and Edwards or Siemian, Book, and Freeman? The answer is we have more faith in Baltimore’s likely starting quarterback and running back.
Payton has no choice but to play Book. He’s got to decide if Book is worth keeping on the active roster. On the other side, John Harbaugh knows McSorley is his backup quarterback. Baltimore should beat the Saints and cover.
NFL Preseason Pick: Baltimore Ravens
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