Ravens vs. Lions Predictions: Baltimore set for a big Win

With the Ravens coming off of a win against the presumptive beat team in the AFC and the Lions reeling from a shellacking at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. Is an eight-point spread enough to get money to flow in for Detroit?

Neil Monnery has a look at Sunday’s game…

It is fair to say that Baltimore haven’t had it easy in the running back department going through pre-season. JK Dobbins was ruled out for the season with an ACL and then Gus Edwards was placed on IR with a knee. For a team that likes to run the ball as much as they do, losing players to injury is an issue. Ty’Son Williams and Latavis Murray have both stepped in and been more than capable so far in 2021. With Devonta Freeman also getting up to speed then they should still be able to pound the rock.

We all know that the Ravens on offense go as far as Lamar Jackson will take them. The super athletic QB is an above-average passer but he’s also a true dual-threat who rushed for 107 yards on Sunday night against Kansas City. Detroit will have to account for him in both phases of the game. Hollywood Brown went for 113 yards on six receptions in that game which indicates he’s becoming a big threat options for Baltimore.

For Detroit, it is going to be a long hard tough season. Trading Matthew Stafford was not exactly waving the white flag but it is obvious to any informer observer that Jared Goff is a downgrade at the Quarterback position. The former first-round pick has been statistically average through two games with the Lions and has thrown a pick in both. It is hard to imagine many (if any) scenarios this season where Jared Goff alone can lead his team to a win. This means that they will need the supporting cast to step up.

In the backfield I’ve been a bit disappointed with D’Andre Swift so far. The second-round player out of Georgia was someone I had tabbed for a bit of a step forward in 2021 but 76 yards on 19 carries through two games isn’t what I expected. Jamaal Williams has split reps and he’s put up very similar numbers with 79 yards on 16 carries.

The most reliable pair of hands are attached to the body of TJ Hockenson. Any watcher of BigTen football knew that he would be a very productive TE at the next level and he’s showing that this year. He’s had eight receptions in both his games and had found pay-dirt in both as well.

I just struggle to believe the Lions can stop many teams on Defense having given up 41 and 35 points respectively so far. I like Baltimore to win...and win big.

Spread:

Eight points to me is an awful lot but in this game - I’m quite happy to eat the points and take the better side.

Straight-up/Moneyline:

Baltimore are a rightful short-price favorite but too short to play straight up.

Over/Under Points Totals:

49.5 points is the number and with the lack of D on show from the home team - give me the over.