NFL: Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens - Odds, Prediction & Picks

The 5-1 Detroit Lions have the best record in the NFC and sit atop the NFC North, but they will have their hands full with one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on the road. Baltimore is 4-2 after a solid win over Tennessee in London last week. The Lions are coming off a 20-6 victory down in Tampa Bay after a career game from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, but injuries at running back and offensive line remain a concern. 

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Lions

With the Eagles and Niners each losing last week, suddenly the Lions can make a claim on being the best team in the NFC. Quarterback Jared Goff was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 353 yards and two scores in the win over the Bucs and the Lions defense still ranks No. 1 against the run in the NFL.

Injury Report: The Lions had so many players dealing with injuries that they canceled practice Wednesday. The full injury list includes: OL Jonah Jackson, RB David Montgomery, RB Craig Reynolds, DB Brian Branch, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, TE Sam LaPorta, TE James Mitchell, DL Josh Paschal, OL Frank Ragnow.

Ravens

Everyone says the same thing about the Ravens….stop Lamar Jackson and you stop the Ravens. Much easier said then done. Jackson remains the NFL’s premier two-way threat at quarterback and has a new weapon in rookie WR Zay Flowers, who has 35 catches for 367 yards. Plus the Ravens have the NFL’s best kicker in Justin Tucker.

Injury Report: The Ravens have multiple players on injured reserve already but came back from London reasonably healthy. The injury report Wednesday showed DL/LB Jadeveon Clowney, LB Malik Harrison, LB Odafe Oweh, CB Kevon Seymour, DE Brent Urban and DB Marcus Williams.

The Ravens beat the Lions 19-17 on an NFL record 66-yard FG by Tucker in 2021. It wasn’t the first time the Lions lost a game on an NFL record field goal. Back in 1970, Tom Dempsey of the Saints kicked a then-record 63-yard FG to beat the Lions, ironically by the same 19-17 score.

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown set a career record in catches (12) and yards (124) in the Lions win over Tampa Bay.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff leads the NFL with 29 completions of 20 yards or more.

This could be the best game of Week 7 in the NFL with two teams in the playoff mix. The Lions haven’t beaten Baltimore since 2005, losing four in a row.

Goff has been the master of the Lions offense, keeping everything going even with all the injuries. The Lions lost lead running back David Montgomery last week to an injury and the status of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is questionable.

Baltimore isn’t the same team they used to be. The Ravens don’t have that mauling defense that they once had, but they’re still tough. Jackson makes this team go. There’s a reason why Baltimore signed him to a $260 million deal.

The Lions have won five straight as road underdogs and are 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 games. Baltimore is 6-3-1 against the spread in their last 10. It’s kind of surprising to see Baltimore the favorite here because Detroit has played so well.

The Lions won’t get out of Baltimore without Jackson making a big play or two. The good news for Detroit is they have the type of defensive front 7 that can rush Jackson and hem him in. Baltimore doesn’t have many players who can beat you down the field. Detroit will have to rely on Goff, but he’s been up to the task this season. Look for a high scoring game with Detroit winning straight up.

Lions +3 (-120) | BetMGM