The New Orleans Saints will face another difficult road test when they visit the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
New Orleans enters the game at 0-1 following a heartbreaking 31-30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. The Saints fell behind 21-0 but rallied behind Tyler Shough, who passed for a career-high 410 yards and three touchdowns before New Orleans’ potential game-winning two-point conversion failed in overtime.
Baltimore opened its season with a commanding 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers powered a Ravens offense that accumulated 506 yards and looked dangerous through the air and on the ground.
Saints vs. Ravens Game Information
- Matchup: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens
- Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Kickoff: 12 p.m. CDT
- Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
- Television: CBS
- Records: Saints 0-1; Ravens 1-0
- Opening line: Ravens favored by 8.5 points
- Opening total: 48.5 points
The betting line reflects Baltimore’s explosive opener and home-field advantage, but New Orleans showed enough offensive potential in Detroit to make this a far more interesting matchup than many expected.
The Saints Offense Faces a Major Test
Shough’s performance against Detroit was one of the most encouraging developments of Week 1.
The second-year quarterback completed 35 of 56 passes for 410 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He became only the third quarterback in Saints history—joining Drew Brees and Aaron Brooks—to produce a 400-yard passing game.
Shough was especially impressive after halftime, generating 325 passing yards in the second half and overtime. Chris Olave caught 10 passes for a career-high 182 yards, while Devaughn Vele added seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown.
New Orleans finished with 469 total yards, the fourth-highest total in the NFL during Week 1. However, Shough was sacked five times and the Saints committed three turnovers. Those mistakes could be devastating against a Baltimore defense that forced two takeaways and registered nine quarterback hits against Indianapolis.
Baltimore’s Offense Creates a Nightmare Matchup
Baltimore’s new-look offense under coordinator Declan Doyle immediately demonstrated balance and explosiveness.
Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown while adding another score on the ground. Henry carried the football 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns. The Ravens rushed for 202 yards as a team and produced 506 total yards.
Flowers caught five passes for 150 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a hamstring injury. His availability will be one of the biggest developments to monitor throughout the week.
The most concerning matchup for New Orleans is Baltimore’s rushing attack against a Saints defense that surrendered 165 rushing yards to Detroit. Baltimore ranked third in rushing after Week 1, while New Orleans’ run defense ranked tied for 27th.
If the Saints cannot slow Henry without committing additional defenders to the box, Jackson could create explosive plays through play-action passes and quarterback keepers.
Five Keys to a Saints Victory
1. Stop Derrick Henry Before He Controls the Game
Everything begins with Henry.
The Saints cannot allow Baltimore to consistently create second-and-short situations. Henry gained 110 of his 144 rushing yards before contact against Indianapolis, demonstrating how effectively Baltimore’s reconstructed offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage.
New Orleans must win on early downs, close interior running lanes and force Baltimore into obvious passing situations. Davon Godchaux, Vernon Broughton, Christen Miller and the Saints linebackers will be central to that effort.
2. Keep Lamar Jackson Inside the Pocket
Jackson remains one of the NFL’s most difficult quarterbacks to defend because he can turn a broken play into a first down or touchdown.
The Saints’ edge defenders must maintain disciplined rush lanes. Carl Granderson, Chase Young and Tyree Wilson cannot recklessly attack upfield and leave open escape routes. New Orleans should prioritize containment over chasing highlight-reel sacks.
Baltimore becomes nearly impossible to defend when Jackson’s scrambling ability forces defensive backs to abandon their coverage.
3. Protect Tyler Shough
Shough demonstrated toughness and resilience in Detroit, but the Saints cannot ask him to survive another game with five sacks and constant pressure.
Baltimore’s defense recorded nine quarterback hits and forced two turnovers against Indianapolis. Trey Hendrickson, Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith and Jesse Minter’s pressure packages will test New Orleans’ communication and protection rules.
Kellen Moore can help Shough with quick throws, screens, running-back targets and moving pockets. The Saints must also establish enough of a running game to prevent Baltimore from attacking the quarterback on every down.
4. Win the Turnover Battle
New Orleans committed three turnovers in its opener and finished with a minus-two differential. Baltimore finished plus-one and immediately converted defensive takeaways into scoring opportunities.
The Saints cannot give Jackson and Henry short fields.
Shough must recognize disguised coverages, avoid forcing passes into traffic and protect the football when pressured. On defense, New Orleans needs to attack the football with the same aggression Vernon Broughton displayed on his forced fumble against Detroit.
5. Start Faster and Finish Drives
The Saints showed tremendous character by recovering from a 21-0 deficit, but consistently relying on historic comebacks is not sustainable.
New Orleans must survive Baltimore’s early energy, quiet the crowd and avoid falling behind by multiple possessions. The Ravens are built to protect leads with Henry and their pass rush.
The Saints also have an opportunity in the red zone. Baltimore allowed touchdowns on all three Indianapolis red-zone possessions, while New Orleans scored touchdowns on four of five red-zone trips against Detroit. Converting those opportunities could keep the Saints within striking distance.
Early Week 2 Injury Watch
Important: The official late-week game designations have not been released. “Questionable” and “out” labels should not be considered final until the teams publish their practice reports.
New Orleans Saints
- RB Alvin Kamara — Knee/MCL: Kamara returned to limited practice work last week but was inactive against Detroit. His participation will be closely monitored.
- DE Cam Jordan — Hamstring: Jordan missed Week 1 after being ruled out. His potential return would provide valuable experience against Jackson and Henry.
- TE Oscar Delp — Hamstring: Delp did not play in the opener and remains a player to monitor.
- RB Audric Estimé — Thigh: Estimé was placed on injured reserve before Week 1 and will not be available.
- WR Chris Olave: Olave has appeared on preliminary injury watch lists with a back issue, but no official Week 2 game-status designation had been issued when this preview was prepared.
Baltimore Ravens
- WR Zay Flowers — Hamstring: Flowers is considered day-to-day after leaving the Indianapolis game. Baltimore has indicated that the injury is not believed to be serious.
- WR Ja’Kobi Lane — Wrist: Lane suffered a fractured wrist and is expected to miss extended time.
- CB T.J. Tampa — Knee: Baltimore was continuing to evaluate Tampa after he exited the opener.
- WR Devontez Walker — Groin: Walker missed Week 1, and his availability becomes more important if Flowers cannot play.
- DT Nnamdi Madubuike — Neck: Madubuike missed the opener and remains a major name to monitor.
- LB Teddye Buchanan — Knee: Buchanan also missed Week 1.
Players to Watch
Tyler Shough, Saints quarterback
Shough must prove that his 410-yard performance was more than an isolated explosion. His arm talent and willingness to attack downfield give New Orleans a chance, but protecting the football will be essential.
Chris Olave, Saints receiver
Olave looked like an elite No. 1 receiver against Detroit. His matchup with Baltimore’s secondary could determine whether New Orleans can consistently generate explosive plays.
Travis Etienne Jr., Saints running back
Etienne produced 78 scrimmage yards against Detroit, including 46 rushing yards and seven receptions. His ability to contribute as a runner and outlet receiver could help neutralize Baltimore’s pressure.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens quarterback
Jackson passed for 324 yards while recording a 124.2 passer rating in Week 1. His combination of deep passing, play-action execution and mobility will test every level of the Saints defense.
Derrick Henry, Ravens running back
Henry enters Week 2 after rushing for 144 yards and three touchdowns. Preventing him from reaching the second level with momentum is New Orleans’ biggest defensive priority.
Zay Flowers, Ravens receiver
If healthy, Flowers provides Baltimore with game-changing speed. His 150-yard opener included a 54-yard touchdown, and the Saints cannot afford to lose track of him after play-action fakes.
Week 1 Team Statistics and NFL Rankings
Rankings are based on one game and will change significantly during the opening weeks.
| Category | New Orleans Saints | Baltimore Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Points scored | 30 — 11th | 41 — 2nd |
| Total offense | 469 yards — 4th | 506 yards — 2nd |
| Net passing offense | 378 yards — 1st | 304 yards — 5th |
| Rushing offense | 91 yards — 22nd | 202 yards — 3rd |
| Total defense | 369 yards allowed — 21st | 251 yards allowed — 6th |
| Passing defense | 204 yards allowed — 18th | 149 yards allowed — 5th |
| Rushing defense | 165 yards allowed — T-27th | 102 yards allowed — 13th |
| Points allowed | 31 — T-23rd | 23 — T-14th |
| Defensive third-down rate | 38.5% — T-17th | 30.0% — 11th |
| Turnover differential | Minus-2 | Plus-1 |
Final Outlook
Baltimore deserves to be favored. The Ravens are at home, possess one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterback-running back combinations and hold a major statistical advantage in the trenches.
But the Saints demonstrated in Detroit that they have enough passing firepower to threaten a favored opponent. Shough, Olave and Vele give New Orleans an explosive foundation, while Moore’s offense showed it can adjust and score under pressure.
For the Saints to pull off the upset, they must avoid another slow start, protect Shough, limit Baltimore’s rushing attack and finish on the positive side of the turnover battle.
If New Orleans corrects its Week 1 mistakes, this game could remain competitive deep into the fourth quarter. If Henry controls the ground game and Baltimore’s pressure forces Shough into turnovers, the Ravens could turn their home opener into a long afternoon for the Black and Gold.
The challenge is enormous—but after watching the Saints erase a 21-point deficit in Detroit, Baltimore would be making a serious mistake by overlooking them.
References
- New Orleans Saints Week 1 game notes
- Baltimore Ravens Week 1 game recap
- Official Saints injury report
- Official Ravens injury report
- Ravens injury updates on Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane
- ESPN Saints–Ravens matchup page
- ESPN 2026 NFL team offensive statistics
- FOX Sports 2026 NFL defensive rankings
- Saints–Ravens opening odds