This weekend, the Lions will visit Baltimore for a highly anticipated matchup with the Ravens. The Lions just defeated the Buccaneers in a game where their defense played incredibly well, allowing just 6 points. This was yet another good effort for them on the road. The Ravens are also coming off a victory, defeating the Titans in London, and they appear to be quite strong, particularly on defense. This game could go down to the wire because both sides are extremely evenly matched, and perhaps even another 66-yard field goal will decide the outcome.
The Ravens just defeated the Titans in London, dominating on the defensive side of the ball and limiting Tennessee to just 16 points. This season, the Ravens defensive line has been excellent, sacking the quarterback 24 times. Justin Madubuike has been performing well, ranking second among all DTs with 4.5 sacks and excelling as a run stopper. With 3.5 sacks this season, Jadeveon Clowney has also been playing his best football in years. Their strongest position is linebacker. They have largely been unstoppable under the leadership of Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. They have excelled in the run game by closing gaps and making good tackles in the open field, but they have also excelled in the pass game. They have been excellent in both coverage and getting to the quarterback, sacking him five times. Kyle Hamilton is cementing himself as one of the league’s top safeties, hitting opponents hard and forcing numerous incomplete passes. Lamar Jackson, their quarterback, has directed a consistent offensive for them this year. Jackson has been excellent this year at both dual-threat quarterbacking and throwing the ball, hitting numerous amazing passes. Zay Flowers, a rookie wide receiver, has made some outstanding catches and frequently finds openings. This year, especially after JK Dobbins’ injury, their running game has been problematic. They still lack that strong RB, despite their offensive line’s excellent run blocking and protection. The Ravens simply need to put everything together in order to defeat Detroit in this game.
The Lions just defeated the Buccaneers comfortably on the road, holding Baker Mayfield to only six points while Jared Goff proved why he should be regarded as a franchise quarterback. Jared Goff produced one of his greatest games while wearing a Lions uniform, consistently making amazing throws and assisting in leading Detroit’s offense to 20 points despite losing David Montgomery early and Jahmyr Gibbs being sidelined with an injury. Amon-Ra St. Brown played well, hauling in 12 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. We also witnessed Jameson Williams’ first significant play of the season, a 45-yard touchdown catch that he made with skill. Goff had plenty of time to throw the ball and target the open receiver thanks to the Lions’ superior offensive line play. With just 6 points allowed, the defense also contributed significantly to the victory. Even though Hutchinson only recorded one pressure, the rest of the defensive line was excellent. In the run game, they were routinely closing gaps and applying pressure to Baker Mayfield. Alex Anzalone had a great game, covering a lot of ground and halting several plays for only a few yards. Cam Sutton has maintained his domination by giving up only 8 yards and generating significant stops in the running game. Will Harris did get a pick when Isaiah Buggs tipped the ball to him, while Jerry Jacobs was once again excellent in coverage, almost grabbing a pick. Jack Fox’s excellent punt helped Detroit win the game by pinning Tampa at the 1-yard line. The Lions have struggled to stop tight ends and mobile quarterbacks, so Detroit’s defense should have it tough against Baltimore. The Lions should have no trouble dismantling a very good Baltimore defense if Goff can perform as well as he did last week and Gibbs can be effective in the run game. Since Week 1, this will be Detroit’s most challenging assignment, so I anticipate some difficulties.
My Prediction: Ravens 24 Lions 20
