2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 2

Arizona Cardinals (0-0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Sunday, September 15, 1PM ET

Realistically, we can’t fully dub this Baltimore Ravens team as a legitimate contender yet. Yes, they crushed the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. And yet, it’s not as impressive when you consider the Dolphins aren’t even trying to hide their desire to tank for the No. 1 overall pick in 2020.

Unfortunately, this won’t be that much of a test either. Yes, the Cardinals kept things interesting on the opening weekend, pulling off a nice fourth-quarter comeback to come away with the tie. However, for three-fourths of their Week 1 matchup, they looked overmatched by an average-at-best Detroit Lions team.

Kyler Murray is going to get better, especially as Kliff Kingsbury has more time to coach up and build confidence within the young gunslinger. With that said, he’s not quite ready to go toe-to-tie with Lamar Jackson, who’s already proving he’s much more than a running back with a quarterback’s number.

This Baltimore defense isn’t going to lie down and get run over by a rookie. They’ll keep pressure on Murray all game long, forcing the youngster into more mistakes than he can overcome in 60 minutes. The Ravens get the win, the hype continues to build for this AFC North squad.

Prediction: Ravens win 34-20