As the NFL season charges into Week 2, the Baltimore Ravens (1-0) return home to M&T Bank Stadium to host the New Orleans Saints (0-1) on September 20, 2026. Fresh off a dominant victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens aim to start 2-0 for the first time since 2020. However, injuries have already reshaped this matchup, with key starters sidelined. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Ravens will be without wide receiver Zay Flowers and likely left tackle Ronnie Stanley, while defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Teddye Buchanan remain out. The Saints, meanwhile, look to rebound after a high-volume passing attack fell short in Week 1. Here are three pivotal matchups that could decide the game.
Derrick Henry vs. Saints' Run Defense
Baltimore's Week 1 offensive blueprint relied heavily on the dynamic between Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry, using the threat of one to open lanes for the other. When Flowers exited early, the passing game sputtered until the Ravens leaned on Henry to close out the win. Now, with Flowers ruled out, Henry faces a stacked box on nearly every snap. The Saints' run defense was gashed for over 150 yards by Jahmyr Gibbs last week, and Henry is more than capable of exploiting that weakness. But without Flowers, the offense becomes one-dimensional, and if the offensive line is missing Stanley, New Orleans could neutralize Baltimore's ground game. That would put immense pressure on wide receivers Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, and Elijah Sarratt to win their 1-on-1 matchups and stretch the field. As highlighted on Vulius, this is a make-or-break opportunity for the Ravens' young pass-catchers.
Carson Vinson vs. Chase Young
Ronnie Stanley's questionable status looms large. He was limited in Friday's practice, but reporters noted he did minimal work compared to other veterans. The Ravens elevated tackle Gerad Lichtenhan from the practice squad, a strong indication that Stanley is closer to doubtful. That would thrust second-year lineman Carson Vinson into his first career start at left tackle, protecting Lamar Jackson's blind side against Chase Young. Vinson, a fifth-round pick in 2025, was drafted as a developmental prospect with hopes of eventually succeeding Stanley. He began last season as a healthy scratch but eventually claimed the swing tackle job from veteran Joe Noteboom. Now, he faces a former No. 1 overall pick in Young, who, despite a quiet stat line in Week 1 (a strip sack was overturned), gave Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell fits all game. Young is dealing with a calf injury but is expected to play. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will likely provide extra help—chipping with running backs, quick game, and play-action—but there will be third-down situations where Vinson must hold his own. This is the first real test of his long-term potential at one of football's most critical positions.
Ravens Secondary vs. Saints' High-Volume Pass Attack
In Week 1, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw nearly 60 times for 410 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. New Orleans had no rusher with more than 10 attempts or 50 yards, partly due to a negative game script. But it's clear the Saints want to lean on Shough's big arm. His top target, Chris Olave, led the league with 182 receiving yards in Week 1. Beyond Olave, the cupboard is relatively bare, though the team trusts former Bronco Devaughn Vele and rookie Bryce Lance—two big-bodied receivers who combined for 10 catches and 111 yards in Detroit. Veteran tight ends Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant add versatility but lack explosiveness. For Baltimore, the key will be Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins shutting down Olave. If they can limit him, Shough will have to be perfect against defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's complex, disguising scheme. It's hard to imagine Shough picking apart Minter's secondary all game without a few mistakes that give the ball back to Lamar Jackson and company. The Saints may move the ball through sheer volume, but capping Olave's efficiency could make it nearly impossible to keep pace with the Ravens.
As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, the Ravens' ability to overcome injuries and win these matchups will determine whether they remain undefeated. For die-hard fans, this game offers a glimpse into the team's depth and resilience. Stay tuned to Vulius for post-game analysis and exclusive merchandise to celebrate every Ravens victory.
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