Arizona Cardinals vs. Baltimore Ravens: Preview, prediction

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Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) attempts to catch a pass in the end zone in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) during the second half at Heinz Field. The pass was incomplete. The Steelers won the game, 25-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens possess the league’s worst pass defense. While I probably don’t need to elaborate, I will. Fitzgerald, John Brown and even Michael Floyd should go to town on the Ravens secondary. Any way the Cardinals receivers line up, one of them should be open or have the chance to get open at any give moment. Plus with the threat of David Johnson as a pass catching running back, it will be a long day for the Baltimore Ravens secondary.

While the secondary had trouble stopping Martavis Bryant last week, Patrick Peterson played an excellent game and allowed only 3 completions when the ball was thrown on his side of the field. I expect Peterson to be covering Steve Smith, who is possibly the Ravens only weapon at receiver, and he should be able to shut him down for most of the game (except for maybe a garbage time touchdown).

Joe Flacco will have a hard time connecting with his receivers since this will be a bounce back game for the Arizona Cardinals secondary. With receivers struggling to get open, the Ravens will most likely to turn to their trusty back, Justin Forsett. If the Calais Campbell and the rest of the defensive line can clog up the running lanes, it will be that much harder for the Ravens to get points on the board.

Odds:

Arizona -10

O/U 49.5

Prediction:

The Arizona Cardinals will come out guns blazing after suffering an unexpected loss at the hands of third string quarterback Landry Jones and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carson Palmer should do a better job of reading the defense and won’t make costly throws and should capitalize on red zone possessions. The receivers should take advantage oof the mismatch against the Ravens secondary and should find themselves on the receiving end of a few touchdown passes. While the Ravens record is 1-5, they’ve lost every game they’ve played so far by 6 points or less which is why this game will be closer than you think. Cardinals 27 Ravens 17.

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