This Monday, Week 3 will close with a clash of giants: The Baltimore Ravens will host the Detroit Lions. Both teams failed their first game, but bounced back in Week 2. The Ravens suffered a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills, which was decided in the final minutes, while the Lions lost to the Green Bay Packers. However, for Week 2, the Ravens blew out their divisional rivals, the Cleveland Browns, 41-17, and the Lions did the same against the Chicago Bears, scoring 52 points. Now, both teams will have the opportunity to build on their growing momentum. Here is our analysis at PayPerHead.
Key Points for the Lions vs. Ravens Game
- Date: Monday, Sept. 22
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET.
- Broadcast: ESPN/ABC
- Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium
Analysis Breakdown
Lamar Jackson started his MVP aspirations with a strong case. Just last week, he scored four touchdown passes against the Browns. In week 1, he also provided us quite a show with a 73.7 completion percentage for 209 yards and two touchdowns. The last time he faced the Detroit Lions was in October 2023, and he finished the game with 357 yards and three TDs. According to Statmuse, Lamar Jackson has a passer rating of 117.3 with 644 yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception in 2 games against the Lions in his career. Those are serious numbers that coach Dan Campbell needs to take into consideration.
On the other side of the coin, the Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff has played against the Ravens 3 times, once as a Rams QB and twice defending the Lions jersey. His passer rating is 72.7 with 713 yards and three interceptions in those three games, but unfortunately, he has not won any game yet. In the present season, he started cold in the loss against the Packers, 225 yards and 1 TD, but in Week 2, he exploded with 334 yards and stunning five touchdowns as wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown hauled in three touchdown passes.
Lions vs. Ravens Head-to-Head History
The Baltimore Ravens have a 6-1 record against the Lions all-time. Their first encounter dates back to 1998, when they won 19-10, then in 2005, the Lions won their first and last game against the Ravens, 17-35. After that, they have been blown three times: 48-3, 44-20, and 38-6 in 2009, 2017, and 2023, respectively. In 2013 and 2021, they were just 2 points shy, 18-16, and 19-17, still a loss. This has been a one-sided history take, but something is changing, and the Detroit Lions are becoming a very competitive team under Campbell’s coaching, reaching the conference finals in 2023 for the first time since 1991 and the divisional round in 2024. Maybe this 8th encounter marks the beginning of a new era for Detroit.
Lions vs. Ravens Score Prediction
As of now, both teams have a 1-1 record, and as mentioned before, started the season in very similar circumstances, with both quarterbacks leading the passing touchdown standings with six touchdowns each. On the Ravens’ side, Derrick Henry is leading the league in rushing yards with 192, right behind Jonathan Taylor and Travis Etienne Jr, meaning their rushing game could be dangerous, but the Lions have their secret weapon in their WR Amon Ra St. Brown, who is leading in reception TDs (3). Our prediction at PayPerHead is Lions 34-38 Ravens, a very tight game.
