Lions vs. Ravens: Odds, predictions, props and best bets
The Baltimore Ravens (4-2) traveled across the pond in Week 6 of the NFL season season and came back stateside with a 24-16 win over the Titans. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions (5-1) picked up their fourth straight win while seemingly still staying under the radar. As you can see below, the Ravens are slight home favorites over the surging Lions.
We have collected the odds for this game from the best sportsbooks in Michigan, so you can find the best odds before placing your bets.
It is really remarkable how coach Dan Campbell has led these Lions to compete each and every week. They don’t necessarily have a bonafide superstar, yet this Detroit team is always in contention to win. Not only have the Lions covered each of their past seven games as road underdogs, but they have won straight up in their past five contests too. That is a phenomenal trend that they hope to continue this Sunday in Baltimore.
They may have to do so without a couple of backfield contributors. Leading rusher David Montgomery is likely to be out for “a little bit” with a rib cartilage injury. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, but there is optimism that he will be able to play on Sunday. The Lions will want to establish the ground game, as the Ravens pass defense ranks second-best in the NFL.
The Ravens ultimately pulled away from Tennessee in London last week and flew home happy. But will they be exhausted from their international trip? NFL teams get the option of a bye week following a trip overseas, but the Ravens opted to take their bye in Week 13 instead.
Baltimore has alternated wins and losses over the past five weeks, looking more impressive in some games than others. But the defense has been quite consistent all season. Their prowess in defending the aerial attack was noted earlier. But their overall defense has been excellent, ranking fourth in the league in points allowed per game. Additionally, they are tied for first with 24 sacks as a team. They will certainly have their hands full this week with an elite Lions offense, albeit a battered one.
Betting on the Lions has been a profitable endeavor for quite some time now. You can play it safe and bet on the Lions to cover the spread, but why stop there? As mentioned above, the Lions have won five straight games as a road underdog. The sportsbooks continue to undervalue an elite team, likely based on their history of disappointment. But these aren’t your grandparents’ Lions. Time is running out to take advantage.
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Although the Ravens have gone above this total in each of their four wins, they have struggled to score in their losses. The Ravens identity is still to run the football, as they rank fifth in the league in rushing yards per game and 24th in passing. Running is not a recipe for success against this vaunted Lions front, who boast the top run defense in the league. If the Ravens can’t get it done through the air, putting up points will be a tough task come Sunday.
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