A pair of teams that picked up victories last week battled it out in Week 2 of the preseason when the Baltimore Ravens (1-0) visit the Arizona Cardinals (1-0). Baltimore disposed of the Tennessee Titans at home, 23-10, while the Arizona Cardinals took care of the Los Angeles Rams, 36-23.
The kickoff for Sunday’s contest is at 8 p.m. EST inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Baltimore opens as a 5.5-point road favorite, and the over-under total is 38.5 points.
What to Know – Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens hope to bounce back this season after an 8-9 record and failing to reach the postseason for the first time since 2017. Head coach John Harbaugh returns for his 15th season as head coach of the Ravens.
Fans didn’t get to see Lamar Jackson take any snaps in the preseason debut, but it didn’t matter because the backups played well. Tyler Huntley was 16-of-18 for 109 yards and a touchdown pass, and Anthony Brown finished 10-of-15 for 117.
Baltimore used an array of rushing backs against the Titans. Nate McCrary led the way carrying the ball five times for 31 yards. Veteran running back Mike Davis added five rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown. J.K. Dobbins is the expected starter for the Ravens but remains sidelined with a knee injury and won’t suit up during the preseason.
With Marquis Brown now on the Cardinals roster, Jackson’s No. 1 target at receiver is now up for grabs. Rashod Bateman should fill that void to compliment Pro-Bowl tight end Mark Andrews.
What to Know – Arizona Cardinals
Kliff Kingsbury is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and is coming off an 11-6 season and his first trip to the postseason as their leader. The Cardinals should contend again for a playoff spot in a tough NFC West division.
Kyler Murray didn’t see the field in the preseason opener, but the starting quarterback did call a handful of plays on the sideline. Murray won’t see many snaps prior to Week 1, so the talented dual-threat QB might draw up a few more plays Sunday evening. Trace McSorley and Jarrett Guarantano handled the duties under center against the Rams.
Starting running back James Conner had a successful first season in a Cardinals uniform in 2021. The former Pittsburgh Steeler is primed to have another solid season but will also see limited action in the preseason. Backups Darrel Williams, Eno Benjamin, and Keaontay Ingram will handle the rushing duties throughout the preseason.
DeAndre Hopkins is out, and Christian Kirk has moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving Arizona’s receiving core to Marquis Brown and veteran A.J. Green. Second-year wideout Rondale Moore has been talked about during preseason camp as a player who could have a breakout season in Arizona’s offense.
The Pick is In
The Ravens have not dropped a preseason contest since 2016 and have reeled off 21-straight during that time. Baltimore has a great chance to keep that going on Sunday night, but the Cardinals roster looked good last week and should give the Ravens a tough test.
The Pick: Arizona Cardinals +5.5
