Week 3 of the NFL season ends with the Detroit Lions traveling to face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET at M&T Bank Stadium. Both teams sit at 1-1 and look to build early momentum in a crowded playoff race.
Baltimore comes in after a 41-17 win over Cleveland, while Detroit is fresh off a 52-21 blowout of Chicago. The oddsmakers have set the Ravens as 5-point favorites, with a high total of 53. This sets up as a battle of two of the league’s most explosive scoring teams.
Ravens Preview – Monday Night Edge with Lamar?
The Ravens have scored 40 points in each of their first two games, ranking first in the NFL at 40.5 points per game. Lamar Jackson has accounted for seven total touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. His ability to mix passing with rushing continues to be the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense.
Jackson has been outstanding on Monday night throughout his career. In nine Monday appearances, he has 22 touchdowns without a single interception. He’s had multiple five-TD games and set a franchise record with 442 passing yards in 2021. The extra day of prep and spotlight have always suited him well.
While the passing attack has clicked, the run game was shut down last week. Derrick Henry managed only 23 yards on 11 carries after putting up 169 in Week 1. The Ravens still have one of the better offensive lines, but defenses are loading the box and daring Jackson to win through the air.
On defense, injuries are mounting. Standout tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out, linebacker Kyle Van Noy is sidelined, and both Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins are dealing with groin issues. This group has allowed 298 passing yards per game, which ranks 30th in the league. Depth will be tested against Detroit’s air attack.
Lions Preview – Passing Game Rolling Again
Detroit enters with the third-highest scoring offense at 32.5 points per game. Quarterback Jared Goff has started strong, throwing for 559 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception across two games. His efficiency has been a major weapon, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt with an 82.1% completion rate in Week 2.
The win over Chicago showcased Detroit’s potential. Goff threw five touchdowns, Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in two scores, and the offense produced 52 points. St. Brown is tied for the NFL lead with three receiving touchdowns and remains the top target in this offense.
Detroit’s offensive line is usually a strength, but injuries are an issue. Left tackle Taylor Decker is questionable with a shoulder problem, while defensive end Marcus Davenport is ruled out. Linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Kerby Joseph, and corner DJ Reed are all questionable. The Lions will need depth players to step up against Baltimore’s speed.
Defensively, Detroit has given up some big plays, ranking 29th in yards allowed per game (409.5). The secondary will be challenged by Lamar’s passing attack, but the front seven has held its own against the run. Keeping Baltimore’s ground game limited will be key to forcing third-and-long situations.
Betting Prediction
Oddsmakers opened the Ravens as -5 favorites, and the total sits at 53. Baltimore has beaten Detroit five straight times, including a 38-6 rout in 2023. The Ravens also have one of the best Monday night records with Lamar at quarterback.
Detroit, however, looks more balanced than in past years and has an offense that can score quickly. If the line holds up against Baltimore’s front, Goff should find success through the air. The Lions are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have covered five of those. Baltimore is 6-4 against the spread in its last 10, but the defense’s health is a major concern.
This matchup has shootout potential, but both defenses may stiffen in the red zone. A close game seems likely, with Baltimore edging it out by a field goal. Projection: Ravens 27, Lions 24. That makes Detroit +5 the better side with the total leaning Under 53.
Pick: Lions +5 and Under 53
