New Orleans Saints vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds, Analysis, NFL Betting Pick

The Baltimore Ravens are 5-1 both straight up and against the spread all-time against the New Orleans Saints, and that includes a 3-0 mark against record-setting Drew Brees.

In a classic matchup between a great offense and a great defense, the Ravens march with the Saints Sunday afternoon.

NFL point spread: The Ravens opened as two-point favorites; the total was 50.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 29.7-18.9 Ravens (NFL picks on every game)

Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or Spotify or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week’s top sports betting news.

Why the Saints can cover the spread

New Orleans is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS its last four times out after dispatching of Washington in Week 5 43-19. The Saints then enjoyed last week off.

New Orleans drove its opening possession of the game against the Redskins 64 yards to a touchdown, led 26-6 in the second quarter, let Washington get within 26-13 at the half, then scored two quick touchdowns out of the locker room on its way to the easy victory and cover as a six-point favorite.

The Saints outgained the Redskins 447-283, held a 27-18 edge in first downs and won time of possession by a 33/27 split. By the time New Orleans took its foot off the gas in the third quarter, it had scored touchdowns on six of its first seven possessions.

Following a slow start to this season, the Saints have now outgained and outrushed their last three opponents. They've also hit the 40-point mark three times in five games this season.

Why the Ravens can cover the spread

Baltimore just bounced back from that ugly loss at Cleveland two weeks ago to beat Tennessee in Week 6 21-0.

The Ravens drove their first possession of the game 94 yards to a touchdown, drove their second possession 48 yards to another touchdown, then drove the opening possession of the second half 78 yards to another touchdown. The defense did the rest in completing the shutout, as Baltimore covered as a two-point road favorite.

The Ravens dominated on the field and the stat sheet, outgaining the Titans 361-106, outrushing Tennessee 123-55, holding a 23-7 advantage in first downs and winning time of possession by a 38/22 margin.

Meanwhile, the defense recorded 11 sacks and forced punts on all nine Titans possessions.

Baltimore has now held five of six opponents this season to 14 points or fewer.

Smart betting pick

Usually in matchups like this, the smart money should side with the better defense. However, this New Orleans offense is better than this Baltimore defense. And Brees can't lose every game against the Ravens, can he? The smart money here plays the Saints.

NFL betting trends

The total has gone over in the Saints' last four games versus the Ravens.

The Ravens are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games at home after consecutive road games.

The Saints are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games in October.

All NFL odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.