Week 9 of the NFL season has not disappointed with several underdogs winning or covering the spread. This Monday Night Football matchup will feature two teams that have been playing excellent football. The Saints host a Ravens team loaded with running backs, even at the quarterback position. How will this game play out? You’ll have to read the MNF Week 9 Picks to find out.
Baltimore Ravens (-135) at New Orleans Saints (+115) – Monday, November 7th 8:15pm EST
Game Preview
Baltimore heads to New Orleans coming off an 11-day break following their 27-22 victory in Tampa Bay on October 23rd. They are currently first in the AFC North with a 5-3 record and are riding a 2-game win streak.
The Ravens have really shot themselves in the foot this season, having blown multiple double-digit leads. Baltimore could easily be sitting at 7-1 coming into their Monday night matchup with the Saints. Nevertheless, they still lead the division and have been excellent on the road posting a 3-1 record away from M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson is off to a slower year in the passing game as he currently sits at 20th in passing yards in the NFL. However, he is currently 12th in the NFL in rushing yards. Even as a dual threat quarterback, Baltimore is going to need Jackson to be better in the passing game. Especially, if they want to be able to put teams away.
Baltimore’s defense has to be feeling good heading into this one. In their last game against the Bucs, they sacked Tom Brady three times and register six quarterback hits. Monday night will also be the debut of All-Pro Linebacker Roquan Smith, who was acquired from Chicago. Smith is exactly what this defense needed to add. Most notably, he will help fill a need covering the middle of the field. Smith will be involved early in his Ravens debut.
Baltimore Ravens Notable Injuries: TE Mark Andrews (O), WR Rashod Bateman (O), RB Gus Edwards (D)
New Orleans is coming off an impressive 24-0 win against Las Vegas. The Saints were shorthanded in week 8 and still came away with a huge victory. That win helped to keep them tied for second place in the NFC South. The biggest takeaway from this Saints offense has been the emergence of Ohio State rookie Chris Olave. He leads the team in both receptions (37) and receiving yards (547). In terms of receiving yards, it’s not even close with Kamara in second with 287.
Kamara had a slow start to the season, partially plagued by injury. Since week 5, he’s been on a tear, cultivating in a three-touchdown game last week. Expect Alvin to keep up the effort this week as the focus of the offense.
Unfortunately, New Orleans’ offense has been plagued with injuries to their star wide receivers in Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas. Quarterback Andy Dalton hasn’t played bad in the five games he’s played. He’s averaging 235 passing yards per game with his main producers being a rookie wide receiver and his running back. Things could be a lot worse in New Orleans.
The New Orleans defense is riding high after shutting out a potent Raiders offense. They held an offense with Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs to no points. That’s impressive. They have another tall task on Monday facing one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL. They will need to put an emphasis on the run as they’re averaging over 100 yards allowed per game on the ground. Their game plan should be to keep Lamar in the pocket and make him beat them with his arm.
New Orleans Saints Notable Injuries: RB Mark Ingram (O), CB Marshon Lattimore (O), WR Jarvis Landry (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Baltimore Start ‘Em
- Lamar Jackson 2. Mark Andrews 3. Kenyan Drake
Baltimore Sit ‘Em
- Devin Duvernay 2. Ravens Defense
New Orleans Start ‘Em
- Chris Olave 2. Alvin Kamara 3. New Orleans Defense
New Orleans Sit ‘Em
- Andy Dalton 2. Taysom Hill
Baltimore vs New Orleans MNF Week 9 Picks
Baltimore has been fantastic on the road while New Orleans has struggled at home. Newly acquired Roquan Smith will make an immediate impact in this game. New Orleans will struggle to score and Baltimore will cruise to a Monday night victory.
Final Score: Baltimore 27 – New Orleans 10
Wicked Wager – Total Points Under 47 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Alvin Kamara Anytime Touchdown (-126)