Lions vs Ravens Prediction, Betting Odds, and Our Best Bet for Monday Night Football

The Detroit Lions, who are sitting at 1-1, and the Baltimore Ravens, also at 1-1, clash on MNF in what could be one of the most entertaining games of Week 3. Of course, there were some good ones yesterday and even some upsets and last-second wins, but the caliber of these 2 powerhouses is what sets this one apart.  With kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET tonight at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, there’s plenty of time to load up your bet slip as both teams are coming off huge wins and look to keep that momentum rolling in primetime.

Game Details and Matchup Breakdown

The Lions exploded for 52 points in Week 2, steamrolling the Bears in a game that saw Jared Goff throw for 334 yards and 5 TDs. It was inevitable as they had to make a statement after their Week 1 loss to Green Bay. Detroit’s offense looked unstoppable, especially with Amon-Ra St. Brown finding the end zone 3 times and rookie back Jahmyr Gibbs breaking loose for 94 rushing yards. Even Jameson Williams made an impact, catching just 2 balls but racking up 108 yards and a score.

On the other side of the field, the Ravens bounced back in a big way too, absolutely destroying the Browns 41-17. Lamar Jackson threw for 225 yards and 4 TDs, which simply showcased his chemistry with a deep group of weapons that includes Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tylan Wallace. Though Jackson hasn’t done much with his legs yet this season, which is a big surprise, the passing game is clicking — and the scoreboard reflects it.

Both teams are 1-1, and both rank in the top 5 in scoring offense, with Baltimore 1st at 40.5 points per game, Detroit 4th at 32.5. So with all of that, we think it’s safe to say you can expect fireworks.

Odds, Spread, and Over/Under

As of now, Baltimore is a 4.5-point favorite at most sportsbooks. The total is set at a staggering 53.5, easily the highest on the board in Week 3. The Ravens are -225 on the moneyline, while the Lions sit at +185.

That number makes sense considering Baltimore is at home and coming off a statement win, but we also feel that the gap between these teams may not be as wide as the line suggests.

Analysis — Offenses Can Score, But Only One Team Can Defend

We’re going to start with Baltimore’s strength — their offense. Through 2 games, the Ravens have racked up 81 total points, thanks in large part to Jackson’s efficiency and the impact of Derrick Henry, who already has 192 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries. Throw in Zay Flowers’ 218 receiving yards and the return of Mark Andrews, and Baltimore’s attack is undoubtedly deep, balanced, and hard to contain.

But their defense is another story. The Ravens rank 32nd in total yards allowed per game with 409.5, 32nd in passing yards allowed with 298, and 25th in scoring defense at 29 PPG. There’s no doubt that they’re getting lit up — and that was with starters like Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy, both of whom are now dealing with injuries.

Detroit, as you’d expect, has quietly put together one of the more balanced starts in the league. Goff has passed for 559 yards, 6 TDs, and just 1 INT, spreading the ball to multiple targets while the run game adds support. Defensively, the Lions are 13th in yards allowed, and more impressively, 12th against the pass and 15th against the run. They’re holding opponents to just 24 points per game, which doesn’t sound elite — but is far better than Baltimore’s output.

Another underrated edge for Detroit is the time of possession. The Lions rank 4th, holding the ball for an average of 32:52 per game, while Baltimore sits 30th, at just 26:41. If Detroit can sustain drives and keep Lamar off the field, they’ll control the pace of the game from start to finish.

Injuries and X-Factors

This game won’t be without its injuries. For Detroit, edge rusher Marcus Davenport is out, and key defenders like LB Jack Campbell, S Kerby Joseph, and CB D.J. Reed are all questionable. That could limit how effective their defense really is — especially against a QB like Lamar Jackson.

That sounds bad for Detroit, but let’s not forget that Baltimore will also be missing some pieces, including DL Justin Madubuike, LB Kyle Van Noy, TE Isaiah Likely, and FB Patrick Ricard. These losses hurt their depth and could make it even harder for the Ravens to get stops.

One potential X-factor we see heading into tonight’s matchup is turnovers and pressure. Neither team has done much in terms of sacks or takeaways this year — both have just 1 sack and 1 interception through 2 games. But if one of these defenses finally steps up, it could swing a close game. It won’t take much, but it’ll have a huge impact.

Final Prediction and Best Bet

This game has shootout potential all over it. 2 elite offenses, 2 defenses with gaps, and both QBs coming in hot. But when it comes down to it, Detroit is simply the more complete team right now.

Baltimore may be flashy and explosive, but they’ve also been bleeding yards through the air, and Goff has the weapons to take full advantage. If Jack Campbell and the other questionable defenders suit up for Detroit, that gives them just enough to slow the Ravens down — at least once or twice, and that’s all they’ll need.

In a game where both teams are likely to score 30+, that might be all it takes.

• Prediction: Lions 34, Ravens 31
• Best Bet: Take the Lions +4.5

This game feels like a coin flip, and getting more than a field goal with the team that’s been more efficient, more balanced, and just as explosive on offense is too good to pass up. If you’re feeling bold, the Lions’ moneyline at +185 offers real value.