Ravens vs. Saints: 3 things you need to know
The Baltimore Ravens (6-4) travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints (4-6) on Monday night. Each team needs a win to keep pace in their respective divisions, making this a high-stakes, prime-time game.
Here's what you need to know:
Ravens should lean on running game
While the Ravens' offense has an advantage in a number of areas against a struggling Saints defense, expect the ground game to be what they lean on most.
The Saints' defense ranks 19th in the NFL allowing 114.7 rushing yards per game, and an average of 4.3 yards per carry.
With a much improved offensive line, and a group of running backs capable of picking up consistent yards, the Ravens' offense should be able to take advantage, giving them an opportunity to come away with a key road win.
Establishing a rushing attack would allow the Ravens to control the pace of the game, keep the Saints' offense on the sidelines and avoid the kind of costly turnovers that are tough to overcome on the road.
Drew Brees in for a big day
While the Saints haven't scored at the rate they've grown accustomed to in years past, the Drew Brees-led passing offense still ranks among the league's most productive in yardage, and represents the Saints' best chance for success in this game.
The season-ending injury to standout rookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks certainly hurts, but a matchup with a Ravens secondary now without cornerback Jimmy Smith should give the Saints plenty of opportunities for big plays downfield.
Look for Marques Colston and Kenny Stills to see an increase in targets against the Ravens' 21st-ranked pass defense, with Jimmy Graham playing a significant role as a receiving tight end.
Regardless of the final score, the matchups and home-field advantage suggest Brees could be in for one of his better performances of the season.
Saints' defense must improve on third down
As good as the Saints' offense has been on third downs, converting at a league-best 51.6 percent rate, the results on the other side of the ball have been quite the opposite.
The Saints are currently ranked third to last in third-down defense, allowing conversions on 45.7 percent of opponent opportunities.
They'll have a chance to improve upon those issues against a Ravens offense that finds itself under the 40-percent conversion mark, but failing to do so would make the Saints a long shot to end their two-game losing streak.