Arizona Cardinals vs. Baltimore Ravens: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The 4-2 Baltimore Ravens will be out for revenge on Sunday when they host the 1-5 Arizona Cardinals. Baltimore had been humming along prior to last week and had picked up some wins over very solid opponents.

Much of their momentum was squashed, however, as they were upset 12-7 by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night. The Ravens' offense looked inept and Baltimore was unable to take advantage of yet another great defensive performance.

Arizona had high hopes entering the season due to the addition of quarterback Kevin Kolb. However, he and the Cardinals have been a major disappointment. Defense has been an even bigger issue, though, as the Cards have squandered some good offensive games.

One has to wonder if Baltimore's confidence is a bit shaken, and if so, then the Cardinals might be able to take advantage of a team with a battered psyche. At the same time, a quick return to form for the Ravens is quite possible.

Where: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.

When: Sunday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX; FOX 10 (Arizona) and WBFF FOX45 (Baltimore)

Spread: Baltimore (-13)

Baltimore being a 13-point favorite certainly speaks volumes either about how good the oddsmakers feel the Ravens are, or how bad they feel the Cardinals are. Whatever the case, I think the Ravens will be much more focused and cognizant of a possible upset this week. Because of that, they should be able to bury Arizona with ease.

Over/Under: 43.5

Taking the over in a Baltimore game might be a tough sell after last week, but I think an over/under of 43.5 is quite manageable. The Ravens have had big offensive performances this season, but simply had an off week against Jacksonville. Baltimore should be able to rebound against Arizona's shoddy defense.

Cardinals Key Injuries

Out: DB Kerry Rhodes (foot)

Questionable: RB Beanie Wells (knee), WR Early Doucet (quad), TE Todd Heap (hamstring)

Ravens Key Injuries

Out: WR Lee Evans (ankle)

Questionable: DB Tom Zbikowski (concussion)

Big Fantasy Plays

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) - Joe Flacco and the entire Baltimore offense looked awful last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, so they will certainly be looking to redeem themselves this week. Arizona's pass defense is very shaky and capable of being burned deep, so I see Flacco making some big plays.

RB Ray Rice (BAL) - Not only do I think Baltimore will pass the ball effectively on Arizona, but I think it can run the ball as well. The Cardinals are a mess in every defensive facet, and running back Ray Rice was shut down last week. He'll want to take full advantage of an easy matchup, and I think he'll be involved heavily as a runner and a pass receiver.

Keys to Cardinals Win

I really don't like the Cardinals' chances this week, but I think Jacksonville laid out the formula for beating Baltimore very clearly. You aren't often going to score a lot of points against the Ravens' top-flight defense, so it is imperative to keep the score low.

The Jaguars were able to grind out yardage on the ground and possess the ball on offense, while forcing three and outs on defense. I don't think the Cardinals have the personnel to do that, but if running back Beanie Wells runs the ball great, then they might have a shot.

Keys to Ravens Win

Defensively the Ravens will just have to continue doing what they always do. Kolb is vulnerable in terms of making mistakes, so if Baltimore's pass rush can make him uncomfortable in the pocket, it wouldn't be surprising to see him throw it to the Ravens a few times.

On offense, I think the Ravens need to re-establish dominance. It simply isn't enough to grind out a win against an inferior opponent after what happened last week. Both Flacco and Rice will have to come up big since they are the tent poles of the offense. If they do, not only will Baltimore win, but Ravens' fans will feel much better moving forward.

Prediction

Ravens 34, Cardinals 13