The second preseason matchup between the 1-0 Arizona Cardinals and 1-0 Baltimore Ravens will take place this Sunday. The game will start inside State Farm Stadium at 8:00 PM EST.
As I anticipate a close game in this one, both of these clubs managed victories in the first week of the preseason. The Ravens have won an astounding 21 consecutive preseason games, and the Cardinals will try to buck that trend.
With a masterful first-week performance and their history of winning preseason games, sportsbooks like the Ravens to win this matchup with a moneyline favor of -250 and a hefty -5.5 (-110) spread.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals, despite winning their first preseason game, are +200 moneyline underdogs and +5.5 underdogs (-110). The point total for this matchup is set at 38.5 points.
Ravens Look to Extend Preseason Winning Streak
The Baltimore Ravens recently took on the Tennessee Titans, and they were able to win that game 23-10. Lamar Jackson won’t likely play in this game since they can’t risk him getting hurt before the start of the regular season. Mark Andrews will also miss this game because only a small number of starters will suit up.
Naturally, Baltimore will try to win the game, but they will have to do it with their backups in this contest. Instead of the Ravens genuinely striving to win games in the preseason and continue the record, the streak is more about pride on the part of Baltimore’s backup players. For that reason, they were able to hold Tennessee to just ten points last week, including zero in the second half.
The Tennessee defense presented issues for the Baltimore offense last week as the unit collected 389 total yards. For 259 yards through the air, Raven’s quarterbacks completed 80% of their throws, while their ground game netted 130 yards. The Ravens scored a touchdown both via the air and on the ground, which has always been a concern for rival teams due to the balanced attack.
Cardinals Hope to Defend Home Turf
In the opening quarter against the Bengals, the Arizona Cardinals appeared unstoppable on the offensive side of the field. They scored 36 points overall, and their backups also played well.
Kyler Murray won’t be appearing in this one very much either, as he recently agreed to a significant contract extension, and the Cardinals would like him healthy to open the year.
Trace McSorley and Jarrett Guarantano are two people I anticipate seeing a lot of. In week one of the preseason, they shared playing time and combined for 36 points.
Arizona also rushed for 112 yards against the Bengals, and they appeared strong on the ground. Additionally, they took care of the football and didn’t commit a turnover.
Despite their strong play, it doesn’t appear that Kliff Kingsbury is concerned about the preseason. Kingsbury would prefer his squad to stay healthy for the regular season; thus, the Cardinals are (3-4) in their last seven preseason games.
Free Betting Pick
The Ravens enter this one, having now won 21 straight preseason games, demonstrating their unwillingness to give up in these preseason games. They, too, will desire to prevail in this game, and I still believe the Ravens will win this one even without their starters.
Tyler Huntley had a tremendous performance the previous week, and I anticipate him dominating this Arizona secondary. The Ravens will be able to air it out in this one because Arizona gave up 277 yards through the air the previous week.
Additionally, I anticipate that the Ravens’ defense will put extra pressure on the Cardinals’ starting quarterbacks because they won’t be able to exploit the Baltimore secondary.
Arizona has historically struggled at home, and despite having to play on the road, the Ravens’ defense is ferocious and should suffocate any Arizona offense.
Betting Pick: Ravens -5.5 (-110)
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