This is a big football game for each the Cardinals and the Ravens as they are both 1-1 on the season.  The Cardinals have a very balanced offense that will challenge the hard hitting defense of the Ravens.  The Cards would like to run the football to set up the pass but that will be easier said than done against a stout Ravens run defense that only allows 62.0 yards rushing per game and 2.5 ypc.  Still, the Cardinals will try to plow ahead in the running game with Edgerrin James (220 yards rushing, 4.4 ypc, 2 TDs).  If James can get it going on the ground the Cardinals will be hard to stop as they have a nice set of receivers and they have only allowed 1 sack this season.  Matt Leinart played well last week against the Seahawks but the Ravens defense is light years better than them.  WRs Larry FItzgerald (10 rec, 107 yards) and Anquan Boldin (8 rec, 105 yards, TD) will challenge CBs Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister.  The Cardinals also could look to TE Leonard Pope (4 rec, 52 yards, TD) when they get near the end zone as he is a huge target at 6′8″.

The Baltimore Ravens would like to run the football to keep the ball away from the Cardinals offense.  The Cardinals only allow 92.0 yards rushing per game but the opposition has averaged 4.0 ypc.  Willis McGahee (174 yards rushing, 3.9 ypc) could find some running room which would help open up the play action passing game of the Ravens.  The Ravens really need WR Mark Clayton back healthy as he was there best receiver last season and he only has 1 catch for -1 yard this season.  Derrick Mason (15 rec, 130 yards) and TE Todd Heap (11 rec, 105 yards, TD) are reliable but they haven’t been able to get down the football field.  Which leaves Demetrius Williams who has caught 4 passes for 68 yards to stretch the field. 

PREDICTION:  Look for the Ravens to win a hard fought game.  They have the better defense which is the reason I side with them to win this game by a field goal.