Baltimore is better than it gets credit for being, in large part because of its ugly showing at Cleveland and its inability to truly pile up points. But you have to love the Ravens' defense, which has allowed 12 total points in two games this month and no more than 14 in a game since Week 2. Here's the problem: Drew Brees is playing out of his mind. The Saints have yet to face a defense like the that of the Ravens thus far this season, but Brees and his pleathora of weapons has been outstanding, while the New Orleans defense has solidified a bit. Ultimately, I don't think Baltimore can keep pace with New Orleans for the entire game -- or at least fend it off with a possible late game-winning drive. With the Saints coming off a bye and having been given extra time to prepare for this defense, let's go with the visitors in the premiere afternoon matchup on this slate.

The Ravens haven't played an offense comparable to the Saints. Grab the points with a New Orleans team that's covered 16 of its last 21 road games.

The Ravens go home after three straight on the road and bring their No. 1 rated defense along to face the high-powered Saints offense. Baltimore has stayed Under in their last four because of that defense while the Saints have won their last four, covering the spread in the last three. I'm looking for the Ravens to get the win and cover here, great defense beats good offense.

The Ravens have an excellent defense, but the three passing games they completely shut down (Bills, Titans, Broncos) don't come anywhere near the quality of Drew Brees and Co. The Ravens are also dealing with a few injuries in the secondary, which doesn't help matters. The Saints are No. 1 in rush DVOA on defense, so it'll be up to Joe Flacco to outduel Brees. I can't see it happening, and the Saints ride a strong off-the-bye ATS record to another cover.

This matchup evokes the existential question of the modern-day NFL: Which is preferable -- a prolific offense or a suffocating defense? Answer: Offense, baby. The Saints have it in spades. In two road games this year, they have amassed 76 points. They have dipped under 30 just once all season. Baltimore has yielded points begrudgingly but has not faced an opponent this dynamic. QB Drew Brees’ rapid-fire release will keep sacks to a bare minimum. New Orleans’ road success dates to last year; it is 6-3 ATS, with two setbacks coming in games with nothing at stake.