This a game that the Baltimore Ravens need to win if they want to consider themselves a playoff team. The New Orleans Saints have lost two in a row, including a lethargic defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, and are dealing with several key injuries.

There are no excuses for the Ravens -- well, except for the fact that using a makeshift secondary to try to slow down a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

For all of his struggles this season, Drew Brees still has thrown more passing yards (21,050) and touchdowns (174) at home than any current quarterback since 2006. The Ravens are going with a cornerback group that includes Lardarius Webb, who is ranked 106th out of 112 corners by Pro Football Focus; Anthony Levine, a converted safety who has one career start; and Danny Gorrer, who has played for five teams in six seasons.

The Saints have scored at least 20 points in 28 of their last 29 games at home, and that should be very attainable based on this matchup. The Ravens are 1-4 this season when they give up 20 or more points.

My prediction: Saints 30, Ravens 20

My record this year (straight up): 8-2