Baltimore Ravens vs Detroit Lions Game Preview

Week 3 of the NFL wraps up with a mouthwatering Monday Night Football clash between two of the league’s most explosive offences. The Baltimore Ravens host the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium and, with both teams coming off dominant Week 2 wins, this could be one of the highest-scoring games of the season.Baltimore bounced back from a sluggish opener with a 41-17 demolition of the Cleveland Browns, as Lamar Jackson threw for four touchdowns and 225 yards. The dual-threat quarterback looked sharp and with Zay Flowers emerging as his go-to target, the Ravens’ passing game is finally clicking. 

Detroit, meanwhile, put up a staggering 52 points against the Chicago Bears. Jared Goff was near-flawless, tossing five touchdowns and racking up 334 yards. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams stretching the field, the Lions have become one of the most feared aerial attacks in the NFL. Both teams rank top-five in yards per play and have covered the over in the majority of their recent outings. The betting markets reflect expectations of a shootout, with the total set at 53.5 – the highest of the season so far.

Tip 1: Over 53.5 Total Points @ 10/11

This game screams points. The Ravens and Lions combined for 93 points last weekend, and both quarterbacks are in rhythm. Baltimore’s defence has been solid against the run but vulnerable through the air, giving up nearly 400 passing yards to Buffalo in Week 1. Detroit’s defence isn’t much better, especially with key injuries to Marcus Davenport and Kerby Joseph. That should give Jackson and Flowers plenty of room to operate, while Goff will look to exploit a depleted Ravens pass rush missing Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy.

With both teams leaning into pass-heavy gameplans, this total looks very reachable. The Lions have gone over in six of their last eight games, and Baltimore’s Monday night scoring record is elite – Jackson has 25 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his career on MNF.

Tip 2: Zay Flowers Anytime Touchdown Scorer @ 11/10

Flowers has quietly become Baltimore’s most reliable weapon. He’s hauled in seven receptions in each of the first two games and ranks top-five in the NFL for target share and yards per route run. Flowers scored on a wide receiver screen in Week 1 and has even been used in the run game, with three end-around carries already. With tight end Isaiah Likely and full back Patrick Ricard ruled out, Flowers should be even more valuable in the red zone.

Detroit’s secondary is banged up and, with Jackson’s mobility drawing defenders, Flowers could find himself wide open on broken plays or quick screens. At above evens, he offers excellent value to find the end zone.

Tip 3: Jared Goff 4+ Passing Touchdowns @ 11/1

This is a longshot for a reason – more than three passing touchdowns is a big ask on the road. Goff tossed three touchdowns in three of the Lions’ eight road games last season, however, so he might give his backers a good run for their money on Monday night. Having thrown multiple scores in six of his last eight regular-season games, he is in the kind of form to make it happen.

And let’s not forget that Baltimore’s secondary gave up four passing touchdowns to Josh Allen in Week 1. The Ravens’ pass rush has been weakened by injuries to defensive tackle Madubuike and outside linebacker Van Noy, so Goff could have a bit more time to operate. With St. Brown, Williams, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta all capable of scoring, Goff has the weapons to deliver. At 11/1, this is a high-risk, high-reward play worth considering in a game that could turn into a track meet.